What does the valence bond model help explain?

The valence bond model is instrumental in understanding how covalent bonds are formed and structured. This model explains the overlap of atomic orbitals, which occurs when atoms come together to form covalent bonds. In this framework, a bond is seen as the result of two atomic orbitals blending to create a shared pair of electrons.

This model provides insights into the bond angles and lengths within molecules, reflecting the spatial arrangement of the bonded atoms as a consequence of their electron interactions. It also accounts for the hybridization of orbitals, which illustrates how atomic orbitals mix to form new hybrid orbitals that are oriented in specific directions to optimize bonding.

The focus of the valence bond model is primarily on covalent bonds and does not extend to explaining phenomena related solely to ionic bonds, nor does it deal directly with metallic bonds or the properties of pure elements in a general sense. Therefore, it serves as a fundamental tool in understanding molecular structure and bonding in covalent compounds.