Crystal field theory

Crystal field theory helps us to understand how electrons get shared between atoms when they come together. In crystal field theory, we imagine that the electrons in an atom can feel a kind of force from their surroundings. If a couple of atoms get close together in a crystal, for example, their electrons can feel the other atoms' forces, like a kind of electric field. Depending on how the electrons interact with this 'field,' they can begin to spread out in different arrangements. This helps us to understand why different elements might form molecules in certain shapes, or why some molecules might be more stable in certain arrangements.