2007-12-07 08:01:59 · 3 answers · asked by joebeina 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
the principle that electron pairs around a central atom tend to orient themselves as far apart as possible. Electron pair repulsion is used to predict the geometry of a molecule or a polyatomic ion
2007-12-07 08:04:43 · answer #1 · answered by Splishy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is often called "valence shell electron pair repulsion" or VSEPR. It is the idea that in a compound, the pairs of electrons around a central atom will be distributed as far apart from each other in space as possible. This happens because negatively charged electrons will repel each other.
So, if an atom has two sets of electrons (bonds or non-bonding electrons), they will be 180 degrees apart. If there are three "things" around a central atom, they will be 120 degrees apart and will be arranged to the points of a flat triangle. Four will be 109 degrees apart giving a tetrahedron. Five will give a "trigonal bipyramid" and six will be octrahedrally arranged.
2007-12-07 16:08:26 · answer #2 · answered by hcbiochem 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the electron pairs in the outer shell of the central atom repel each other and end up as far apart as geometrically possible....explaining why your last question was V shaped
2007-12-07 16:07:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋