Shapes of Molecules

Learning Objectives

shapes of molecules and an explanation of their polar or non-polar character with reference to the electronegativities of their atoms and electron-pair repulsion theory.

Summary Notes

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory (VSEPR)

Molecules aren't 2D, which is what Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory (VSEPR theory) is all about.

The VSEPR theory states that electron pairs (lone pairs) in the molecule repel each other and take up positions as far from one another as possible in a 3D space.

A summary of the shapes you need to know and the bond angles are in the diagram.

Resources to help build your understanding

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion

Practice Material

You can practice guessing VSEPR shapes using the simulation.

You can do some practice questions here and the answers are here.

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