The Covalent Bond Examined Using the Virial Theorem

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 8 Issue 1 (2003) pp 10-12

The Covalent Bond Examined Using the Virial Theorem

Frank Rioux

Department of Chemistry, St. John’s University and College of St. Benedict, St., Joseph, MN 56374, frioux@csbsju.edu
Received November 11, 2002. Accepted December 7, 2002

Published online: 15 January 2003

Abstract. The chemical bond is a concept of unique importance in chemistry that students first study seriously in a college or university general chemistry course. At first glance, the descriptions of covalent bond formation found in general chemistry texts seem plausible and comprehensible; however, when they are examined more carefully, it is found that they violate both classical and quantum mechanical principles.

Key Words: In the Classroom; physical chemistry; quantum mechanics; bonding

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: frioux@csbsju.edu)

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