The Shapes of Molecules: VSEPR Theory

VSEPR

If a molecule has 2 or more resonance structures, the ________ model can be applied to any one of them.

reactivity

The shape (geometry) of a molecule influences physical and chemical properties, including melting point, boiling point, and ________.

180°

________- not less than because theres no other way to minimize repulsion.

Valence electron pairs

________ repel each other.

Lone pair electrons

________ take up more space and therefore experience more repulsion.

Electrons

________ in bonds take up less space.

atomic size increases

When ________, lone pairs occupy larger spatial volumes, so angles between bonded atoms tend to be even smaller.

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory based on Lewis structures and the principles that

Valence electron pairs repel each other

The geometry around the central atom will minimize the repulsion

180°

not less than because theres no other way to minimize repulsion

The shape (geometry) of a molecule influences

physical and chemical properties, including melting point, boiling point, and reactivity

VSEPR Nomenclature

A = central atom

X = bonding atom

E = lone pair

steric number

number of atoms bonded to central atom + number of lone pairs