Chemistry / Unit 6 Chem 1090 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Valence Bond Theory's Domain
Captions available
The idea
Valence bond theory correctly predicts bond formation, sigma and pi character, and, with hybridization, most shapes, but not some molecules' magnetism.
In practice
Valence bond theory predicts nitrogen's stable triple bond but gives no structural reason for oxygen's attraction to a magnet.
Where people slip
This model's shape and bond-order predictions hold broadly; the magnetism gap is a specific, named exception, not a general failure.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for Chemistry