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VSEPR theory facts for kids

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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 round 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.

Images for kids

  • Water-dimensions-from-Greenwood&Earnshaw-2D

    Example of bent electron arrangement. Shows location of unpaired electrons, bonded atoms, and bond angles. (Water molecule) The bond angle for water is 104.5°.

  • Xenon-hexafluoride-3D-SF

    Xenon hexafluoride, which has a distorted octahedral geometry.

  • Hexamethyl-tungsten-3D-balls

    Hexamethyltungsten, a transition metal complex whose geometry is different from main group coordination.

  • Sulfur-tetrafluoride-2D-dimensions

    Sulfur tetrafluoride has a steric number of 5.

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VSEPR theory Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.