Final answer:
Unbonded atoms within a molecule prefer to be as far from each other as possible to minimize electron pair repulsion, in accordance with the VSEPR theory. The concept also involves the optimal internuclear distance where potential energy is at a minimum due to a balance of attractive and repulsive forces within the molecule.
Step-by-step explanation:
Unbonded atoms within a molecule like to be as far as possible from each other. This is due to electron pair repulsion — a concept explained by the VSEPR theory (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory), which predicts the shapes of molecules based on the idea that electron pairs around a central atom will configure themselves to be as far apart as possible to minimize repulsion. Additionally, the optimal internuclear distance between nuclei of atoms within a molecule is where the potential energy is at a minimum, balancing between attractive and repulsive forces.
When referring to dispersion forces, these are weak forces that occur between molecules, not within a single molecule. These intermolecular forces become more significant when molecules are very close to one another. However, within a molecule, the arrangement of electron pairs aims to minimize repulsion, which leads to geometric arrangements such as linear, bent, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, and others depending on the number of electron pairs around the central atom.