VSEPR Shape Flashcard

Front

What is VSEPR theory?

Back

VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory is a model used to predict the geometry of individual molecules based on the repulsion between the electron pairs in the valence shell of the central atom.

Front

What does the term 'linear' mean in VSEPR shapes?

Back

In VSEPR theory, a linear shape occurs when there are two bonding pairs of electrons and no lone pairs around the central atom, resulting in a bond angle of 180 degrees.

Front

What is the bond angle in a tetrahedral shape?

Back

The bond angle in a tetrahedral shape is approximately 109.5 degrees.

Front

Define 'anions' in terms of electron behavior.

Back

Anions are negatively charged ions that are formed when an atom gains one or more electrons.

Front

What is the significance of the -ite and -ate suffixes in polyatomic ions?

Back

The suffix -ite indicates that the ion has one fewer oxygen atom than the -ate form. Both contain oxygen.

Front

What is the shape of a molecule with four bonding pairs and no lone pairs?

Back

The shape is tetrahedral.

Front

What is the molecular geometry of a molecule with two bonding pairs and one lone pair?

Back

The molecular geometry is bent.

Front

How does the presence of lone pairs affect molecular shape?

Back

Lone pairs repel more strongly than bonding pairs, which can alter the bond angles and overall shape of the molecule.

Front

What is the electron geometry of a molecule with three bonding pairs and one lone pair?

Back

The electron geometry is tetrahedral, but the molecular geometry is trigonal pyramidal.

Front

What is the VSEPR shape of carbon dioxide (CO2)?

Back

The VSEPR shape of carbon dioxide is linear.