The As ¬ As bond length in elemental arsenic is 2.48 Å. The Cl ¬ Cl bond length in Cl2 is 1.99 Å. (b) What bond length is predicted for AsCl₃, using the atomic radii in Figure 7.7?

Key Concepts

Bond Length

Bond length is the distance between the nuclei of two bonded atoms. It is influenced by the size of the atoms involved and the type of bond (single, double, etc.). Understanding bond lengths helps predict molecular geometry and reactivity, as shorter bonds typically indicate stronger interactions.

Atomic Radii

Atomic radii refer to the size of an atom, typically measured from the nucleus to the outermost electron shell. These values vary across the periodic table and are crucial for estimating bond lengths in compounds. The effective atomic radius can change depending on the bonding environment and the type of atoms involved.

Molecular Geometry

Molecular geometry describes the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a molecule. It is determined by the number of bonds and lone pairs around the central atom, influencing properties like polarity and reactivity. Understanding molecular geometry is essential for predicting bond lengths and angles in compounds like AsCl3.