VSEPR Theory

The VSEPR theory basically states that the shape of a molecule is based on the...

• nuclear attractions

• nuclear repulsions

• electrostatic attractions

• electron repulsions

VSEPR theory is used to predict

• the number of unshared pairs of electrons in a Lewis structure.

• the number of multiple bonds in a Lewis structure.

• the three-dimensional geometry of a molecule.

• the three-dimensional crystal lattice structure of ionic compounds.

What is the best explanation of VSEPR theory?

• It explains the shapes that electrons make around atoms when they repel

• It explains how many electrons fit into an element's valent shell

• It explains why electrons pair up

• It explains why electrons repel each other

The atoms in a molecule of water adopt what kind of molecular geometry?

• Linear

• Tetrahedral

• Bent

• Trigonal planar

What is the angle between the bonding pairs in a tetrahedral molecule?

• 90°

• 109.5°

• 120°

• 180°

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

• Linear

• Trigonal planar

• Tetrahedral

• Bent

In a trigonal pyramidal molecule, how many bonding pairs and lone pairs are there?

• 3 bonding pairs, 1 lone pair

• 2 bonding pairs, 2 lone pairs

• 4 bonding pairs, 0 lone pairs

• 3 bonding pairs, 0 lone pairs

Which of the following is NOT a factor that VSEPR theory considers to predict the shape of a molecule?

• The number of lone pairs on the central atom

• The number of bonding pairs on the central atom

• The weight of the atoms in the molecule

• The repulsion between electron pairs

Which molecular geometry is formed by two bonding pairs and two lone pairs of electrons?

• Linear

• Trigonal planar

• Tetrahedral

• Bent

How does the presence of lone pairs affect the bond angles in a molecule?

• Increases the bond angles

• Decreases the bond angles

• Does not affect the bond angles

• Randomly affects the bond angles