The goal of this assignment is to learn molecules "stick" together. This section includes topics such as Lewis structures, VSEPR, polarity, formal charges, and more.

Chapter 8 introduces us to a host of concepts which we will use repeatedly over the next two terms. Some of the material might be familiar to you; some may not be, but it is important to fully master the concepts before proceeding to subsequent chapters; in addition, this is a long chapter with many important concepts, so spend an adequate amount of time to ensure mastery. Especially important in Chapter 8 are the ideas of Lewis structures, VSEPR, formal charges, bond polarity, molecular polarity, bond enthalpy, and much more.

For a complete list of important concepts, see the Chapter 8 Study Guide.

To understand molecular bonding, you should read Chapter 8 in your textbook.

The following screencasts might prove useful to you as you study this chapter. Note that you must have Quicktime installed to watch these screencasts.

• An Overview of Bonding in Chemistry
• Bonding Pairs and Lone Pairs
• An Introduction to Lewis Structures
• Lewis Structures and Pi Bonds
• Formal Charges
• VSEPR Theory
• Bond Order and Bond Length
• Bond Energy
• Bond Polarity and Electronegativity
• Molecular Polarity

The Chapter Eight PowerPoint lecture notes which accompany this lesson will be helpful to you when going through this section. These are Web versions of the PowerPoint notes I use in my "normal" CH 222 class and should let you see what is important to me in this chapter.

Several handouts are available from Chapter Eight. Feel free to explore all of them or just the ones which give you difficulty.

• Building Lewis Dot Structures
• Geometry and Polarity Guide
• Polarity Guide
• Guide to Formal Charges

You might wish to explore these interactive exercises:

• Tutor: Interpreting Lewis Electron Dot Structures
• Tutor: Drawing Lewis Structures
• Exercise: Drawing Lewis Structures
• Tutor: Resonance Structures
• Formal Charges Tutorial
• The VSEPR Jmol Molecule Visualization Page
• Tutor: Ideal Repulsion Shapes
• Tutor: Determining Molecular Shapes
• Exercise: Determining Molecular Shapes
• Tutor: Electron Deficient Compounds
• Exercise: Determining Polarity
• Molecular Polarity
• Tutor: Sigma Bonding
• Tutor: Determining Hybrid Orbitals
• Tutor: Multiple Bonding Pi Bonding

These interactive exercises from W.W. Norton and Company (ChemTours) might prove useful as well:

• VSEPR Model
• Partial Charges and Bond Dipoles
• Expanded Valence Shells

Once you have mastered the concepts listed above, check out the Chapter Eight Concept Guide for a series of worked problems relating to this chapter. They will help you to ensure the mastery of the knowledge from this chapter.

Finally, test yourself (and get extra-credit in the bargain!) on the following introductory chemistry concepts. Remember that you must have JavaScript enabled on your browser! If you get 9 out of 10 correct (or some multiple thereof), submit the information to me to receive extra credit.

1. Using Bond Enthalpies
2. Born-Haber Cycles

Feel free to explore and discuss the ideas from this chapter with the class. Think about how wonderful it is that we, in our macro world, can fathom the complexities of bonding on the atomic world. Take time to share your thoughts with the class on Discus regarding your impressions of these concepts and as how they relate to your life.

Please complete problem set #1 to further explore molecular bonding. Problem set #1 covers several questions from Chapter 8 and it can be found here . We will discuss problems like these during recitation, so come prepared to ask and answer questions.

For additional practice, try the non-assigned problems in Chapter 8. Answers to many of those problems are listed in the back of your textbook or in the Chapter Eight Student Solutions Manual.

If you need assistance on these problems, you have several options. You can visit the Learning Success Center located above the MHCC library on the Mt. Hood Community College campus; they have tutors available to help you with your chemistry homework. You can also contact me if you have any questions.