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Bonding

Shapes of Molecules and Ions: VSEPR and Electron Pair Repulsion

  • 3 things to know
  • Papers 1, 2 and 3

Overview

Electron pair repulsion theory, and why a lone pair repels more strongly than a bonding pair.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What theory is used to predict the shapes of molecules and ions?

Key term

What does VSEPR stand for?

Key term

What is the fundamental principle behind VSEPR theory?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What theory is used to predict the shapes of molecules and ions?

    Model answer

    Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory

  2. 2

    What does VSEPR stand for?

    Model answer

    Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion

  3. 3

    What is the fundamental principle behind VSEPR theory?

    Model answer

    Electron pairs around a central atom repel each other and arrange themselves to minimise repulsion, adopting positions as far apart as possible

  4. 4

    What is the bond angle in a linear molecule?

    Model answer

    180°

  5. 5

    What is the bond angle in a trigonal planar molecule?

    Model answer

    120°

  6. 6

    What is the bond angle in a tetrahedral molecule?

    Model answer

    109.5°

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