answersLogoWhite

0

VSEPR theory, valence shell electron pair theory.

First determine the number of atoms, X, and electron pairs, E, around the central atom.

Write these out as AXnEm

Look up a list of the AXE shapes. Or better as you may not be give a list in the test, you can actually work these out yourself.

The idea is that electron pair bonds and electron pairs repel each other

simple examples are

methane, CH4, AX4, tetrahedral bonds

ammonia, AX3E, so tetrahedral bonds and pairs, but one position is a lone pair, atoms are trigonal.

water AX2E2, tetrahedral bonds and pairs, two positions are lone pairs, so bent.

See link for a reasonable write up.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

What are the three of the many possible shapes of molecules?

Without given a specific molecule there is not any way to determine the shape. Beryllium chloride consists of beryllium in the middle and a chlorine on each side, and is in the shape of a straight line.


What is the shape of the acetylene molecule?

The acetylene molecule (C2H2) has a linear shape, with the two carbon atoms bonded to each other by a triple bond and each carbon atom also bonded to a hydrogen atom.


VSEPR theory is a model for predicting?

VSEPR theory is a model that predicts the three-dimensional molecular geometry of molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs in the valence shell of an atom. It helps to determine the shape of molecules by considering the number of bonding and nonbonding electron pairs around the central atom.


How does the shape of a molecule affect polarity of the molecule?

The shape of a molecule significantly influences its polarity by determining the distribution of charge across the molecule. If a molecule has a symmetrical shape, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), the dipoles may cancel each other out, resulting in a nonpolar molecule. Conversely, asymmetrical molecules, like water (H2O), have unequal charge distribution due to their shape, leading to a net dipole moment and making them polar. Thus, molecular geometry plays a crucial role in defining the overall polarity of a molecule.


What is the molecule shape of butane?

The molecule shape of butane is a tetrahedron. It consists of four carbon atoms bonded together in a straight chain with each carbon atom forming four single bonds with hydrogen atoms.

Related Questions

How does the VSEPR theory explain molecular shape?

Electron pairs repelling each other push atoms apart.


What model is used to determine molecular shape?

The VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) model is commonly used to determine molecular shape. This model is based on the idea that electron pairs in the valence shell of an atom repel each other and thus orient themselves in a way that minimizes repulsion to give the molecule its shape.


What is describe by the VSEPR theory?

How atoms are arranged in a molecule.


Explain how the VSEPR theory can be used to predict the shapes of molecules?

Valence electron pairs will move as far apart from each other as possible. (Apex)


What VSEPR shape does SiCl4 have?

SiCl4 has a tetrahedral shape according to the VSEPR theory. Each Cl atom is located at the corner of the tetrahedron, with the silicon atom at the center.


How can one determine the shape of a molecule using VSEPR theory?

To determine the shape of a molecule using VSEPR theory, one must first identify the central atom and the surrounding atoms. Then, based on the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central atom, one can predict the molecular geometry using the VSEPR theory. The theory states that electron pairs repel each other and will arrange themselves in a way that minimizes repulsion, resulting in specific molecular shapes such as linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, or octahedral.


How does the VSEPR theory account for the electron pairs in double and triple bonds when determining molecular geometry?

The VSEPR theory considers electron pairs in double and triple bonds as a single entity when determining molecular geometry. This means that each double or triple bond is treated as one region of electron density, affecting the overall shape of the molecule.


How is VSEPR theory helpful?

Valence shell electron pair theory is useful in predicting the shapes of molecules. All that is done is to count the number of electron pairs around an atom and then work out the shape as the pairs of electrons repel each other. 2 pairs linear 3 pairs trigonal planar 4 pairs tetrahedral etc


What does the vsepr theory give information about?

Valence shell electron pair repulsion theory is used to predict and explain the way that bonded atoms are arranged around the central atom to which they are joined. For instance, it explains why an ammonia molecule has a trigonal pyramidal shape rather than a flat one.


What does identify each figure mean?

Identify each shape


What is the VSEPR theory of CO2?

The VSEPR theory, sometimes pronounced 'vesper', stands for Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion. It states that repulsion between the sets of electron bond pairs surrounding an atom in a compound causes these sets to be oriented as far apart as possible, giving the compound a certain shape. "Valence electron pairs will move as far apart from each other as possible."


What are the three of the many possible shapes of molecules?

Without given a specific molecule there is not any way to determine the shape. Beryllium chloride consists of beryllium in the middle and a chlorine on each side, and is in the shape of a straight line.