Chapter 6 - Shapes of molecules and intermolecular forces

    Cards (2)

    • Valence shell electron pair repulsion theory
      The shapes of molecules and ions are determined by applying valence shell electron pair repulsion theory.
      • Valence shell electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell.
      • The electron pairs in the valence shell repel each other as far apart as possible.
      • Multiple bonds have a similar repelling effect to single bonds.
      • Lone pairs of electrons repel more than bonded pairs of electrons, reducing the bond angle slightly.
    • Shapes of molecules and ions
      To work out the shape of a molecule or ion, you must first draw a 'dot-and-cross' diagram, showing electrons in the outer shell only. A 'dot-and-cross' diagram shows the number of electron pairs around the central atom and you will then be able to determine your shape.
      The atoms in the molecule or ion describe the shape after taking into account the electron-repelling effects of electron pairs.
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