According to Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory, how does electron repulsion influence the shape of a molecule?

• A. Electron pairs around a central atom arrange themselves as far apart as possible to minimize repulsion, determining the molecular geometry.
• B. Electron repulsion forces all molecules to adopt a tetrahedral shape.
• C. Electron repulsion has no effect on molecular shape; only atomic size matters.
• D. Electron repulsion causes atoms to bond only in linear arrangements, regardless of the number of electron pairs.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory is based on the idea that electron pairs around a central atom repel each other because they are negatively charged.
2. Recognize that to minimize this repulsion, electron pairs will position themselves as far apart as possible in three-dimensional space.
3. Know that this arrangement of electron pairs determines the overall shape or geometry of the molecule, such as linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, or octahedral shapes.
4. Note that the shape depends on the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons around the central atom, not just the number of atoms bonded.
5. Conclude that electron repulsion influences molecular shape by dictating the spatial arrangement of electron pairs, which in turn determines the molecular geometry.