The basis of the VSEPR model of molecular bonding is ________.

• A. the attraction between nuclei and bonding electrons
• B. the arrangement of atoms to maximize bond angles
• C. the minimization of atomic orbital overlap
• D. the repulsion between electron pairs in the valence shell of an atom

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that VSEPR stands for Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory, which is used to predict the shape of molecules.
2. Recognize that the core idea of VSEPR is that electron pairs around a central atom repel each other and thus arrange themselves to minimize this repulsion.
3. Note that these electron pairs include both bonding pairs (shared between atoms) and lone pairs (non-bonding pairs) in the valence shell of the central atom.
4. Realize that the molecular geometry is determined by the positions of atoms, which are influenced by the repulsions between all electron pairs, leading to specific bond angles.
5. Conclude that the basis of the VSEPR model is the repulsion between electron pairs in the valence shell of an atom, which drives the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule.