ASSIGNMENT / CHM420

ASSIGNMENT FOR CHM420

CHAPTER 5: CHEMICAL BONDING

INSTRUCTIONS
This assignment contains 3 questions (30 marks =10%). Answer all the questions.
You need to return this assignment by 11 December 2020 (Friday).

QUESTION 1
Objective: To draw Lewis structure in a correct manner.
Draw the Lewis structure for NO3-.
Tips: Your answer must include the step by step strategies with its solution and must be shown
in a table form.
(10 marks)
ANSWERS
STRATEGIES SOLUTION MARKS
Predict the skeletal
structure. Determine the
metal centre. Applying the 2m
guidelines of symmetry,
make the three atoms
terminal.
Sum the valence electrons Total number of electrons for Lewis structure:
(adding one electron to 5-3(6) +1 = 24e
account for 1- charge) to
determine the total number Where 2m
of electrons in the Lewis  5 number electrons valence for N
structure.  3 x valence electrons in O
 Add 1 electron to account for negative
charge of ion.

1 N = 1 x 5 e- = 5e-
3 O = 3 x 6e- = 18e-
+1e-
Total = 24e-
Single bond - 6e-
= 18e-
O electrons - 18e-
= 0e- (zero lone pair)

Distribute all the electrons.

2m
 ASSIGNMENT / CHM420

Since there are no electrons

remaining to complete the 2m
octet of central atom, form a
double bond by moving a
lone pair from one O atom.
Enclose the structure in
brackets and write the
charge at the upper right.
It could have resonance
structures as they are
equally correct. 2m

10 marks

QUESTION 2
Objective: To predict the geometry using VSEPR theory.
By using the VSEPR theory, predict the electron and molecular geometry of PCl3.
Tips: Your answer must include the step by step strategies with its solution and must be shown
in a table form.
(10 marks)
ANSWER
STRATEGIES SOLUTION MARKS
Predict the skeletal
structure. Determine the
metal centre. Applying the 2m
guidelines of symmetry,
make the three atoms
terminal.
Determine the total number 1 P = 1 x 5 e- = 5e-
of electrons around the 3 Cl = 3 x 7e- = 21e-
central atom. Total = 26e-
Single bond - 6e- 2m
= 20e-
Cl electrons - 18e-
= 2e- (one lone pair)
Distribute all the electrons in
Lewis structure with one 2m
lone pair.
 ASSIGNMENT / CHM420

Determine the electron Electron geometry is tetrahedral (four electron

geometry and molecular groups) 2m
geometry. Molecular geometry is trigonal pyramidal (AX3E)

Draw the structure

according to VSEPR
geometry with the bond
angle. 2m

10 marks

QUESTION 3
Objective: To relate the subject matter & chemistry around you.
a) If you combine oil and water in a container, they separate into distinct regions. Why? Explain
your answer.
(5 marks)
b) Imagine eating a greasy cheeseburger with both hands and no napkins. By the end of the
meal, your hands are coated with grease and oil If you wash them with only water, they remain
greasy. However, if you add a little soap, the grease washes away. Why? Explain your answer.
(5 marks)
Tips: Relate your answer with theory of polarity; polar bonds, polar molecules.

ANSWER
a) Oil is nonpolar, while water is polar molecules. When they are
mix together, they repel each other and do not dissolves in each
other.

The reason is related to the properties of oil and water. Water

molecules are made up of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen
atoms. In addition to having this very simple structure, water
molecules are polar, which means there is an uneven distribution
of charge across the water molecule.

Water has a partial negative charge from its oxygen atom and
partial positive charges on its hydrogen atoms. This polarity
allows water molecules to form strong hydrogen bonds with each
 ASSIGNMENT / CHM420

other, between the negatively charged oxygen atom on one

water molecule and the positively charged hydrogen atoms of
another

5m

Oils, by contrast, are nonpolar, and as a result they’re not attracted

to the polarity of water molecules. In fact, oils are hydrophobic, or
“water fearing.” Instead of being attracted to water molecules, oil
molecules are repelled by them. As a result, when you add oil to a
cup of water the two don’t mix with each other. Because oil is less
dense than water, it will always float on top of water, creating a
surface layer of oil.

*Any relevant answers are accepted.

b) Nearly all compounds fall into one of two categories: hydrophilic

('water-loving') and hydrophobic ('water-hating'). Water and
anything that will mix with water are hydrophilic. Oil and anything
that will mix with oil are hydrophobic. When water and oil are mixed
they separate. Hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds just don't
mix. Washing greasy hands with water alone would not helping!
The cleansing action of soap is determined by its polar and non-
polar structures in conjunction with an application of solubility
principles. The long hydrocarbon chain is non-polar and
hydrophobic (repelled by water). The "salt" end of the soap 5m
molecule is ionic and hydrophilic (water soluble).
When grease or oil (non-polar hydrocarbons) are mixed with a
soap- water solution, the soap molecules work as
a ‘’bridge’’ between polar water molecules and non-polar oil
molecules. Since soap molecules have both properties of non-
polar and polar molecules the soap can act as an emulsifier. An
emulsifier is capable of dispersing one liquid into another
immiscible liquid. This means that while oil (which attracts dirt)
doesn't naturally mix with water, soap can suspend oil/dirt in such
a way that it can be removed. The soap will form micelles (see
below) and trap the fats within the micelle. Since the micelle is
soluble in water, it can easily be washed away.
 ASSIGNMENT / CHM420

*Any relevant answers are accepted.

10 marks
Final marks contribute to the
assignment = 30m ÷3
= 10 %