Chemistry / Unit 6 Chem 1035 short lesson, about 20 seconds
VSEPR Theory's Core Assumption
Captions available
The idea
Valence shell electron pair repulsion theory assumes electron domains around a central atom spread as far apart as possible, minimizing repulsion.
In practice
A central atom with two bonding domains spreads them to opposite sides, 180° apart, rather than any closer arrangement.
Where people slip
VSEPR predicts geometry from electron-domain repulsion alone; it offers no explanation of why a bond forms at all.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
Unlocks
- 1038Electron-Pair Geometry
- 1043Two-Domain Geometry: Linear
- 1045Three-Domain Geometry: Trigonal Planar and Bent
- 1048Four-Domain Geometry: Tetrahedral, Trigonal Pyramidal, and Bent
- 1051Five-Domain Geometry: Trigonal Bipyramidal
- 1053Six-Domain Geometry: Octahedral
- 1110Predicting Hybridization from VSEPR Domain Count
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for Chemistry