VSEPR Theory and Molecular Geometry

VSEPR theory is used to predict

• the number of unshared pairs of electrons in a Lewis structure.

• the number of multiple bonds in a Lewis structure.

• the three-dimensional geometry of a molecule.

• the three-dimensional crystal lattice structure of ionic compounds.

Any molecule with only two atoms must be linear. Three-atom molecules such as BeCl₂ can also be linear. For linear molecules, the bond angle is

Molecules such as boron trichloride that have three bonded atoms and no unshared pairs have what shape?

• trigonal planar

• trigonal pyramidal

• trigonal bipyramidal

• tetrahedral

Which molecule would have this molecular geometry?

• BF₃
• CH₄
• PCl₅
• CO₂

What molecule could this be? 

• BF₃
• CH₄
• H₂O
• CO₂

What molecular geometry would PH₃ have?

• Trigonal Pyramidal

• Trigonal Bipyramidal

• Bent

• Linear

What shape would this have?

• Trigonal planar

• Pyramidal

• Tetrahedral

• Bent

How many lone pairs are in this molecule's structure?

• 6
• 2
• 0
• 4

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

According to VSEPR, molecules adjust their shapes to keep which of the following as far away as possible?

• Pairs of valence electrons
• Inner shell electrons
• Mobile Electrons
• Electrons closest to the nucleus

What shape is shown here?

• Octahedral

• Tetrahedral

• Trigonal bipyramidal

• Seesaw