What is VSEPR theory?
The shape of a molecule or ion is determined by the repulsion between the electron pairs surrounding the central atom. '''Valence Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion Theory''' - Only the electron pairs arranged around the central atom in a covalent molecule need to be considered - Pairs of electrons repel each other and move as far apart as possible - Lone pair-lone pair repulsion is greater than lone pair-bonding pair repulsion which is greater than bonding pair- bonding pair repulsion - The actual shape of species is determined by the ''atoms'' attached round the central atom (and influenced by the lone pairs of electrons) - All bonds - single bonds, double bonds and triple bonds - take up the same space. [[Category:Physics]] [[Category:Chemistry]] {{multistub|chem|physics}} {{Molecular geometries}}