Limitations of Bonding Diagrams

• What is one advantage of using a dot and cross diagram?

  It clearly shows where the electrons are coming from.
• Why do dot and cross diagrams not provide information about the shape of a molecule?

  Because they do not depict the spatial arrangement of atoms.
• What is a limitation of two-dimensional stick diagrams?

  They do not indicate which electron in a covalent bond comes from which atom.
• How do two-dimensional stick diagrams fail to represent outer electrons?

  They do not show outer electrons that are not in bonds.
• What is a benefit of using a three-dimensional stick diagram?

  It shows the shape of the molecule.
• What are the limitations of ball and stick diagrams?

  • Ions are shown as widely spaced
  • Do not accurately represent the packing of ions
  • Give the impression that structures are smaller than they are
• What is the advantage of using a space-filling diagram?

  It gives a better idea of how closely packed the ions are.
• What is a limitation of space-filling diagrams?

  They can make it difficult to see the three-dimensional packing of ions.
• How do the representations of molecules differ in terms of size perception?

  • Ball and stick diagrams give a smaller impression of structures
  • Space-filling diagrams also do not represent the giant nature of crystal lattices