Final answer:
The basis of the VSEPR model is that electron domains in the valence shell of an atom arrange themselves to minimize repulsions, determining the molecular structure and bond angles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basis of the Valence Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) model of molecular bonding is that electron domains in the valence shell of an atom will arrange themselves so as to minimize repulsions. According to the VSEPR theory, electrons in the valence shell of a central atom will adopt an arrangement that minimizes these repulsions by maximizing the distance between them, which in turn determines the molecular structure and approximate bond angles. This model considers both bonding electron pairs, which are shared between atoms to form bonds, and lone pairs, which are not shared and therefore exert greater repulsive forces on neighboring electron pairs.
The VSEPR theory predicts the arrangement of these electron pairs around the central atom and, in most cases, provides accurate predictions of the molecular geometry. Electron pairs, whether in bonds or as lone pairs, repel each other due to their negative charge, and the VSEPR model is based on the premise that the most stable arrangement for a molecule is the one where these electron pairs are as far apart as possible. Ultimately, this theory is a valuable tool for predicting the shape of molecules and understanding the behavior of substances at the molecular level.