Which statement best captures the fundamental idea behind VSEPR theory Explain what is | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for Chemistry: A Molecular Approach

Chapter 10 Problem 109

Question

Which statement best captures the fundamental idea behind VSEPR theory? Explain what is wrong with each of the other statements.

a. The angle between two or more bonds is determined primarily by the repulsions between the electrons within those bonds and other (lone pair) electrons on the central atom of a molecule. Each of these electron groups (bonding electrons or lone pair electrons) will lower its potential energy by maximizing its separation from other electron groups, thus determining the geometry of the molecule.

b. The angle between two or more bonds is determined primarily by the repulsions between the electrons within those bonds. Each of these bonding electrons will lower its potential energy by maximizing its separation from other electron groups, thus determining the geometry of the molecule.

c. The geometry of a molecule is determined by the shapes of the overlapping orbitals that form the chemical bonds. Therefore, to determine the geometry of a molecule, you must determine the shapes of the orbitals involved in bonding.

Solution

Step 1 of 5)

The first step in solving 10 problem number trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: Which statement best captures the fundamental idea behind VSEPR theory? Explain what is wrong with each of the other statements.a. The angle between two or more bonds is determined primarily by the repulsions between the electrons within those bonds and other (lone pair) electrons on the central atom of a molecule. Each of these electron groups (bonding electrons or lone pair electrons) will lower its potential energy by maximizing its separation from other electron groups, thus determining the geometry of the molecule.b. The angle between two or more bonds is determined primarily by the repulsions between the electrons within those bonds. Each of these bonding electrons will lower its potential energy by maximizing its separation from other electron groups, thus determining the geometry of the molecule.c. The geometry of a molecule is determined by the shapes of the overlapping orbitals that form the chemical bonds. Therefore, to determine the geometry of a molecule, you must determine the shapes of the orbitals involved in bonding.
From the textbook chapter Chemical Bonding II: Molecular Shapes, Valence Bond Theory, and Molecular Orbital Theory you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.

Step 2 of 7)

Visible to paid subscribers only

Step 3 of 7)

Visible to paid subscribers only

Subscribe to view the
full solution

Title Chemistry: A Molecular Approach 3 
Author Nivaldo J. Tro
ISBN 9780321809247

Which statement best captures the fundamental idea behind VSEPR theory Explain what is

Chapter 10 textbook questions

×

Login

Organize all study tools for free

Or continue with
×

Register

Sign up for access to all content on our site!

Or continue with

Or login if you already have an account

×

Reset password

If you have an active account we’ll send you an e-mail for password recovery

Or login if you have your password back