VSEPR Help?

Question

What is the physical basis for the VSEPR model?

When applying the VSEPR model, we count a double or triple bond as a single electron domain. Why is this justified?

Answer 1

1. You will know that the VSEPR theory is based on electron pairs in the outer level of the central atom in a molecule repelling each other and maximising their distance apart. So the physical basis is: "like charges repel".

2. Double and triple bonds are linear, and behave very much like a single bond when it comes to repulsions.