key term - Valence bond theory

Definition

Valence bond theory explains how atoms in a molecule are bonded together by overlapping their atomic orbitals to share electron pairs. It combines the concepts of orbital hybridization and resonance to account for the molecular shape and stability.

Related terms

Orbital Hybridization: The process by which atomic orbitals mix to form new hybrid orbitals that are identical and suitable for bonding with other atoms.

Resonance:

A way to describe delocalized electrons within certain molecules or ions where the bonding cannot be expressed by a single Lewis structure.

Electron Pair: A pair of electrons occupying the same molecular orbital but having opposite spins