VSEPR Theory Quiz

Ronald Gillespie and Ronald Nyholm

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion

The valence electron pairs surrounding an atom tend to repel each other.

<p>The electron-electron repulsion due to the Pauli exclusion principle</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Topological analysis of the electron density of molecules</p> Signup and view all the answers

A theory that predicts the three-dimensional shape of molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs in the valence shell of an atom.

The two main proponents of VSEPR theory, who developed and refined its key principles.

The premise that electron pairs surrounding an atom repel each other, leading to the formation of specific molecular geometries.

The Pauli exclusion principle states that two electrons with the same spin cannot occupy the same orbital. Gillespie argues that repulsion from this principle, rather than just electrostatic forces, plays a critical role in determining molecular geometry.

Gillespie argued that the repulsion due to the Pauli exclusion principle is more significant than just electrostatic repulsion in determining molecular geometry. This insight stems from analyzing the distribution of electron density in molecules.