VSEPR Theory Practice

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

What molecular shape is the structure shown here? (BCl₃)

• linear

• trigonal planar

• tetrahedral

• trigonal pyramidal

What shape would this have?

• Trigonal planar

• Pyramidal

• 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

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

• 90°

• 109.5°

• 120°

• 180°

Which molecular geometry has four bonding pairs and no lone pairs of electrons?

• Linear

• Trigonal planar

• Tetrahedral

• Trigonal pyramidal

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

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

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

• Linear

• Trigonal planar

• Tetrahedral

• Bent

What is the bond angle in a trigonal planar molecule?

• 90°

• 109.5°

• 120°

• 180°