Electron-pair geometry

Definition

Electron-pair geometry describes the spatial arrangement of electron pairs around a central atom, including both bonding and lone pairs. It determines the overall shape and bond angles in a molecule.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Electron-pair geometry considers both bonding pairs of electrons and lone pairs.
2. Common geometries include linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, and octahedral.
3. The VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory is used to predict electron-pair geometry.
4. Lone pairs occupy more space than bonding pairs, affecting the molecular shape.
5. Electron-pair geometry is different from molecular geometry which only considers the arrangement of atoms.

Review Questions

• What theory is used to predict electron-pair geometry?
• How does the presence of lone pairs affect electron-pair geometry?
• What is the difference between electron-pair geometry and molecular geometry?

Related terms

VSEPR Theory: Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory predicts the shapes of molecules based on repulsions between electron pairs around a central atom.

Molecular Geometry: The three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule, considering only bonding pairs of electrons.

Lone Pair: A pair of valence electrons that are not shared with another atom and do not participate in bonding.