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Chapter 8: Problem 16

What is the central idea of the VSEPR model?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The central idea of the VSEPR model is to predict the three-dimensional structure of molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs surrounding the central atom. The model emphasizes that electron pairs in an atom's valence shell repel each other and arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, influencing the resulting molecular geometry.

Step by step solution

01

VSEPR Model Definition

The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) model is a method used to predict the three-dimensional structure of molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs around the central atom. The basic idea is that electron pairs in the valence shell of an atom repel each other and arrange themselves to minimize this repulsion.
02

Electron Pair Repulsion

In the VSEPR model, there is an emphasis on the repulsion between electron pairs. This repulsion arises due to the negative charges of the electron pairs, causing them to push each other away. The force of repulsion decreases with the increasing distance between the electron pairs. This concept helps understand the effects of lone pairs and bonding pairs in determining molecular shape.
03

VSEPR Notations

The VSEPR model uses the AXE notation to describe the arrangement of atoms and electron pairs. A represents the central atom, X represents the number of atoms directly bonded to the central atom (also known as bonding pairs), and E represents the number of lone pairs (nonbonding pairs).
04

Molecular Geometry Prediction

To predict the molecular geometry using the VSEPR model, perform the following steps: 1) Determine the Lewis structure of the molecule. 2) Identify the AXE notation for the molecule. 3) Based on the AXE notation, identify the predicted molecular geometry. Some common geometries include linear, bent, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, and octahedral. By understanding the central idea of the VSEPR model – electron pair repulsion – and applying these steps, you can predict the molecular geometry of various compounds.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Which compound in each of the following pairs of ionic substances has the most exothermic lattice energy? Justify your answers. a. \(\mathrm{NaCl}, \mathrm{KCl} \quad\) d. Fe $(\mathrm{OH})_{2}, \mathrm{Fe}(\mathrm{OH})_{3}$ b. \(\mathrm{LiF}, \mathrm{LiCl} \quad\) e. $\mathrm{NaCl}, \mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{O}$ c. \(\mathrm{Mg}(\mathrm{OH})_{2}, \mathrm{MgO} \quad\) f. $\mathrm{MgO}, \mathrm{BaS}$

Identify the following elements based on their electron configurations and rank them in order of increasing electronegativity: $[\operatorname{Ar}] 4 s^{1} 3 d^{5} ;[\mathrm{Ne}] 3 s^{2} 3 p^{3} ;[\operatorname{Ar}] 4 s^{2} 3 d^{10} 4 p^{3} ;[\mathrm{Ne}] 3 s^{2} 3 p^{5}$

Consider the following: Li(s) \(+\frac{1}{2} \mathrm{I}_{2}(g) \rightarrow\) Liil(s) \(\Delta H=\) \(-292 \mathrm{kJ} . \mathrm{LiI}(s)\) has a lattice energy of \(-753 \mathrm{kJ} / \mathrm{mol} .\) The ionization energy of Li(g) is $520 . \mathrm{kJ} / \mathrm{mol},\( the bond energy of \)\mathrm{I}_{2}(g)$ is 151 \(\mathrm{kJ} / \mathrm{mol}\) , and the electron affinity of \(\mathrm{I}(g)\) is \(-295 \mathrm{kJ} / \mathrm{mol}\) . Use these data to determine the heat of sublimation of Li(s).

A compound, \(\mathrm{XF}_{5},\) is 42.81\(\%\) fluorine by mass. Identify the element \(\mathrm{X}\) . What is the molecular structure of \(\mathrm{XF}_{5} ?\)

Predict the empirical formulas of the ionic compounds formed from the following pairs of elements. Name each compound. a. \(\mathrm{Al}\) and \(\mathrm{Cl} \quad\) c. \(\mathrm{Sr}\) and \(\mathrm{F}\) b. \(\mathrm{Na}\) and \(\mathrm{O} \quad\) d. \(\mathrm{Ca}\) and \(\mathrm{Se}\)
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