Question 1

According to VSEPR theory, what is the main factor that determines the geometry of a molecule?

Accepted Answer

The minimization of repulsion between electron groups on the central atom.

Question 2

In the Lewis structure for ammonia ($$\mathrm{NH_3$}$$), how many electron groups are present around the nitrogen atom?

Accepted Answer

$$4$$

Question 3

Which of the following best describes a 'lone pair' in VSEPR theory?

Accepted Answer

A pair of electrons localized on the central atom that does not participate in bonding.

Question 4

Given the Lewis structure for water ($$\mathrm{H_2O}$$), how many lone pairs are present on the oxygen atom?

Accepted Answer

$$2$$

Question 5

For the molecule $$\mathrm{CO_2$}$$, what is the total number of electron groups around the central carbon atom?

Accepted Answer

$$2$$

Question 6

Which molecular shape is predicted by VSEPR theory for a molecule with three electron groups and one lone pair on the central atom?

Accepted Answer

Trigonal pyramidal

Question 7

A molecule has the following Lewis structure: $$\mathrm{H_2O}. $$Using VSEPR theory, what is the predicted molecular shape?

Accepted Answer

Bent

Question 8

How many bonding groups are present in the Lewis structure of methane ($$\mathrm{CH_4$}$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$4$$

Question 9

Which of the following molecules has a linear molecular shape according to VSEPR theory?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CO_2$}$$

Question 10

A molecule has two bonding groups and two lone pairs on the central atom. What is its molecular shape?

Accepted Answer

Bent

Question 11

Which statement about lone pairs and bonding groups is correct according to VSEPR theory?

Accepted Answer

Lone pairs exert greater repulsion than bonding pairs.

Question 12

For the Lewis structure of $$\mathrm{NH_3$}$$, calculate the number of electron groups, lone pairs, and bonding groups on the nitrogen atom.

Accepted Answer

Electron groups: $$4$$, Lone pairs: $$1$$, Bonding groups: $$3$$

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why the bond angle in water ($$\mathrm{H_2O}) is $$less than $$109.5^\circ$$?

Accepted Answer

Lone pairs on oxygen exert greater repulsion, compressing the bond angle.

Question 14

A patient is exposed to carbon monoxide ($$\mathrm{CO}). $$Using VSEPR theory, what is the molecular shape of $$\mathrm{CO}$$?

Accepted Answer

Linear

Question 15

Which molecule would have the largest bond angle according to VSEPR theory?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CO_2$}$$

Question 16

A molecule has four electron groups around the central atom. If all are bonding groups, what is the molecular geometry?

Accepted Answer

Tetrahedral

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a correct application of VSEPR theory?

Accepted Answer

Predicting the color of a compound.

Question 18

A molecule has three electron groups: two bonding groups and one lone pair. What is its molecular shape?

Accepted Answer

Bent

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between electron groups and bonding groups in VSEPR theory?

Accepted Answer

Electron groups include both bonding groups and lone pairs; bonding groups are only shared electron pairs.

Question 20

A molecule has the Lewis structure shown as $$\mathrm{H_2O}$$ with two lone pairs and two bonding groups. What is the total number of electron groups?

Accepted Answer

$$4$$

VSEPR Theory and Molecular Geometry: Study Notes for GOB Chemistry

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