Question

Question 5: Causes of Molecular Shape (3 points)

a. What is the VSEPR theory? (1 point)

b. How does electron repulsion determine molecular shape? (1 point)

c. How do lone electron pairs affect molecular shape? (1 point)

Answer 1

A. VSEPR theory assumes each atom molecule has a geometry to help minimize the repulsion between the electrons within the valence shell of the central atom.

B. Repulsion determines the molecular shape as the electrons are negativley charged. The negativity makes the atoms spread out as much as possible.

C. Lone electron pairs have greater repelling effects as they are closer to the nucleus of the central atom unlike bonding pairs.

Step-by-step explanation: