VSEPR

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Total cards: 24•Content version: v4•Public deck•Updated: 8/1/2026

Card preview (24)

Front (Question)

What is VSEPR used for?

Back (Answer)

Predicting the geometry of main group compounds with attached ligands

Front (Question)

What can VSEPR not be used for?

Back (Answer)

Transition metals

Front (Question)

What is the first step of VSEPR?

Back (Answer)

Decide on the connectivity of the molecule

Front (Question)

Which atom is always the central one?

Back (Answer)

the least electronegative one

Front (Question)

What is the second step of VSEPR?

Back (Answer)

Draw a lewis structure for the molecule and ignore the lone pairs

Front (Question)

What is the third step of VSEPR?

Back (Answer)

Count the electrons in pairs in the valence shell of the central atom

Front (Question)

How do we count the electrons in the valence shell of the central atom?

Back (Answer)

• Count its own valence shell electrons (the group number) • Add one electron for every atom that is σ bonded to the central atom • Add or subtract the appropriate number of electrons corresponding to any charge • Account for any multiple bonds

Front (Question)

What is the 4th step of VSEPR?

Back (Answer)

Put all the electron pairs as far apart as possible using the vertices of the possible shapes

Front (Question)

What are the characteristics of linear shape?

Back (Answer)

2 pairs 2 directions 180 degrees

#10

Front (Question)

What are the characteristics of trigonal planar?

Back (Answer)

3 pairs 3 angles at 120 degrees

#11

Front (Question)

What are the characteristics of tetrahedral?

Back (Answer)

4 pairs 4 directions at 109.5 degrees

#12

Front (Question)

What are the characteristics of trigonal bipyramidal?

Back (Answer)

5 pairs Angles 90, 120 and 180 degrees between directions

#13

Front (Question)

What are the characteristics of octahedral?

Back (Answer)

6 pairs Angles of 90 and 120 degrees

#14

Front (Question)

What are the characteristics of pentagonal bipyramidal?

Back (Answer)

7 pairs Angles of 72, 90 and 180 degrees

#15

Front (Question)

Why do multiple bonds repel more than single bonds?

Back (Answer)

They contain more electrons

#16

Front (Question)

What is the order of repulsions?

Back (Answer)

LP-LP > LP-BP > BP-BP

#17

Front (Question)

Why do lone pairs need more space than bonding pairs?

Back (Answer)

The attractive electrostatic force is weaker and the electron density can expand

#18

Front (Question)

What position do multiple bonds and lone pairs occupy in the case of 5 pairs and why?

Back (Answer)

Equatorial Equatorial positions have more space than axial

#19

Front (Question)

How are the bonds and lone pairs arranged in octahedral?

Back (Answer)

Two lone pairs or multiple bonds are placed trans to each other

#20

Front (Question)

How many BP and LP does linear have?

Back (Answer)

2 BP 0 LP

#21

Front (Question)

How many BP and LP does trigonal planar have?

Back (Answer)

3 BP 0 LP

#22

Front (Question)

How many BP and LP does bent/angular have?

Back (Answer)

2 BP 1 LP

#23

Front (Question)

How many BP and LP does Tetrahedral have?

Back (Answer)

4 BP 0 LP

#24

Front (Question)

How many BP and LP does Pyramidal have?

Back (Answer)

3 BP 1 LP