Valence Electrons

The outer electrons of an atom, which are those involved in chemical bonding.

Valence Shell

The outermost electron-occupied shell of an atom, which holds the electrons that are usually involved in bonding.

Valence-Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion Model

(VSEPR) - A model that accounts for the geometrical arrangements of shared and unshared electron pairs around a central atom in terms of the repulsions between electron pairs.

Valence-Shell Expansion

The use of d orbitals in addition to s and p orbitals to form covalent bonds.

van der Waals Equation

An equation that describes the P, V, and T of a nonideal gas.

van der Waals Forces

The dipole-dipole, dipole-induced dipole, and dispersion forces.

van’t Hoff Factor

The ratio of actual number of particles in solution after dissociation to the number of formula units initially dissolved in solution.

Vaporization

The escape of molecules from the surface of a liquid; also called evaporation.

Viscosity

A measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow.

Volatile

Has a measurable vapor pressure.