Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR)

Definition

VSEPR is a model used in chemistry to predict the geometry of individual molecules based on the number of electron pairs surrounding their central atoms.

Related terms

Molecular Geometry:

This refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule. It's like the seating chart for our dinner party analogy.

Electron Domain: This is any area where electrons are most likely found, such as lone pairs, single bonds, multiple bonds etc. These are like the seats at our dinner table.

Bond Angle: This is the angle formed between three atoms across at least two bonds. In our dinner party analogy, it's how much one guest has to turn their head to talk to another guest sitting next them.