Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory

Flashcards covering key concepts of VSEPR Theory and molecular shapes including definitions and properties.

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory

A model used to predict the geometry of individual molecules based on the repulsion between the electron pairs in the valence shell.

Linear geometry

A molecular shape with bond angle of 180 degrees, typically found in AB2 configurations.

Trigonal Planar geometry

A molecular shape with bond angles of 120 degrees, typically found in AB3 configurations.

Angular molecular shape

A molecular shape found in AB2E configurations, with bond angle of 117.5 degrees; ALWAYS polar due to a lone pair.

Tetrahedral geometry

A molecular shape with bond angle of 109.5 degrees, typically found in AB4 configurations.

Trigonal Pyramidal shape

A molecular shape found in AB3E configurations with a bond angle of 107 degrees; ALWAYS polar due to a lone pair.

Bent molecular shape

A molecular shape found in AB2E2 configurations with a bond angle of 104.5 degrees; ALWAYS polar due to incomplete cancellation of electron pairs.

Trigonal Bipyramidal geometry

A molecular shape found in AB5 configurations with bond angles of 120 and 90 degrees.

See Saw shape

A molecular shape found in AB4E configurations; ALWAYS polar due to the presence of lone pairs.

T-Shaped molecular shape

A molecular shape found in AB3E2 configurations; ALWAYS polar due to lone pairs and incomplete cancellation of electron pairs.

Octahedral geometry

A molecular shape with bond angles of 90 degrees, typically found in AB6 configurations.

Square Pyramidal shape

A molecular shape found in AB5E configurations; ALWAYS polar due to lone pairs.

Square Planar shape

A molecular shape found in AB4E2 configurations; the electron pairs CANCEL each other.