Question

How does VSEPR help determine the shape of the molecule?

A) The shape of the molecule is determined by the mass of the nuclei of different atoms in molecule, so that the mass is as evenly distributed as possible.
B) The shape of the molecule is determined by the valence electrons of the different atoms within a molecule repelling each other, so the atoms are as far apart as possible from any other valence shell.
C) The shape of the molecule is determined by the electronegativity values of the different atoms within a molecule, so the atoms are spaced apart based on decreasing electronegativity.

Answer 1

B) The shape of the molecule is determined by the valence electrons of the different atoms within a molecule repelling each other, so the atoms are as far apart as possible from any other valence shell.

Step-by-step explanation:

VSEPR denotes Valence Electron Pair Repulsion.

It is one of the theories used to predict the model of a compound or molecule.

• An atom bonded by two or more other kinds of atoms as in many covalent molecules and ions have their geometry determined by the bonds around the central atom.
• The VESPR theory determines the total number of electron pairs surrounding the central atom of a specie.
• The electron pairs orients in such a way as to minimize the electrostatic repulsion between them.