Bond Angle Formula:
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Definition: This calculator determines the bond angle between a bond pair and lone pair of electrons in a molecule based on the s-character of the hybrid orbital.
Purpose: It helps chemists and students understand molecular geometry and predict bond angles in various compounds.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula relates the s-character of hybrid orbitals to the bond angles in molecules, particularly when lone pairs are present.
Details: Bond angles determine molecular shape and properties. Lone pairs typically occupy more space than bonding pairs, affecting the angles.
Tips: Enter the fraction of s-character (between 0 and 1). Common values are 0.25 for sp³, 0.33 for sp², and 0.50 for sp hybridization.
Q1: What is s-character?
A: S-character refers to the contribution of s-orbitals in hybrid orbitals. Higher s-character means bonds are shorter and more strongly held.
Q2: Why does s-character affect bond angles?
A: Orbitals with more s-character are more directional, leading to larger bond angles between bonding pairs and smaller angles involving lone pairs.
Q3: What's a typical s-character value?
A: For sp³ hybridization (like in methane), s-character is 0.25; sp² (like in ethylene) is 0.33; sp (like in acetylene) is 0.50.
Q4: How does this relate to VSEPR theory?
A: This calculation complements VSEPR theory by providing quantitative predictions of angles based on orbital hybridization.
Q5: Can I use this for molecules with multiple lone pairs?
A: This calculates the angle between one bond pair and one lone pair. For multiple lone pairs, the angles may differ due to additional repulsion.