The three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule, predicted by Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory, which states that electron pairs around a central atom arrange themselves as far apart as possible to minimize repulsion, determining the molecule's shape (e.g., linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, bent).
Electron pairs repel each other, pushing atoms as far apart as possible — this determines the molecule's shape.
Showing a random 20 of 50 problems.
Example 1
easy
What does the acronym VSEPR stand for?
Example 2
medium
What is the molecular geometry of PCl5 (5 bonds, no lone pairs)?Molecular geometry of PCl₅?
Example 3
medium
What is the molecular geometry of OF2 (O has 2 bonds, 2 lone pairs)?Molecular geometry of OF₂?
Example 4
medium
Determine the molecular geometry of CO2 (C has 2 double bonds, no lone pairs).Molecular geometry of CO₂?
Example 5
easy
What is the ideal bond angle for trigonal planar geometry?Ideal bond angle for trigonal planar geometry?
Example 6
medium
Why is CO2 nonpolar but SO2 polar?
Example 7
medium
Distinguish electron geometry from molecular geometry for NH3.
Example 8
hard
Predict the molecular geometry of BrF5.
Example 9
medium
What is the molecular geometry of PH3?Molecular geometry of PH₃?
Example 10
easy
How many bonding regions does a tetrahedral molecule (no lone pairs) have?
Example 11
hard
Explain why lone pairs in a trigonal bipyramidal geometry occupy equatorial rather than axial positions.
Example 12
medium
What is the molecular geometry of H2S (S has 2 bonds and 2 lone pairs)?Molecular geometry of H₂S?
Example 13
medium
Predict the molecular geometry of I3−.
Example 14
medium
Predict the molecular geometry of CCl4.Molecular geometry of CCl₄?
Example 15
easy
How many electron domains does a central atom in a linear molecule (no lone pairs) have?
Example 16
medium
For SO3, predict the geometry and bond angle.Geometry and bond angle of SO₃?
Example 17
easy
How many electron domains surround the central atom in a trigonal planar molecule?
Example 18
easy
What is the molecular geometry of BeCl2 (Be has 2 bonds, no lone pairs)?Molecular geometry of BeCl₂?
Example 19
challenge
NH3 has bond angle ~107° and NF3 has ~102°. Both are trigonal pyramidal — explain the difference.
Example 20
challenge
Predict the molecular geometry of SF4 (S has 4 bonds and 1 lone pair).