Which statement best describes the prediction of molecular geometry according to Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory?

• A. Molecular geometry is predicted by the overlap of atomic orbitals.
• B. Bond angles are determined solely by the atomic radii of the bonded atoms.
• C. Atoms in a molecule share electrons to achieve a stable octet configuration.
• D. Electron pairs around a central atom arrange themselves as far apart as possible to minimize repulsion.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that VSEPR theory is used to predict the shape of molecules based on the repulsions between electron pairs around a central atom.
2. Recall that electron pairs, both bonding and lone pairs, repel each other and will arrange themselves to be as far apart as possible to minimize this repulsion.
3. Recognize that this arrangement of electron pairs determines the molecular geometry, not the overlap of atomic orbitals or atomic radii alone.
4. Note that while atoms share electrons to achieve stable configurations, VSEPR specifically focuses on electron pair repulsions to predict shape.
5. Conclude that the best description according to VSEPR theory is that electron pairs around a central atom arrange themselves as far apart as possible to minimize repulsion.