Objective of the Module
Teaching introductory level students about the electronic structure of atoms and molecules has
changed little in the last fifty years. Many of the concepts used are nearly a hundred years old, such as Lewis
dot diagrams. In this same period quantum chemistry has advanced dramatically, driven by advances in chemical
theory and computing technology. We aim to transform the manner in which the fundamental material about the
nature of atoms, bonding, and molecules is taught in General Chemistry courses by incorporating state-of-the-art
quantum chemical concepts. The module is richly supported with both static and animated graphics.
This website is devoted to presenting a new module on the nature of the chemical bond. In place
of memorizing rules, our strategy is to develop an understanding of the nature of bonding by exploring the process
by which atoms combine to form molecules. We characterize the different types of bonds and observe bond formation
directly by monitoring orbitals. Our approach creates a coherent narrative that relates atoms and their properties
to molecules and their properties. It emphasizes connecting theory and its symbolic representations to actual
molecules in real world contexts.
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