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Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory definitions

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  • VSEPR Theory
    A model used to predict the geometry of molecules based on minimizing repulsion between electron groups.
  • Electron Group
    A set of electrons around a central atom, including lone pairs and bonding groups.
  • Lone Pair
    A pair of valence electrons not shared with another atom, contributing to electron cloud repulsion.
  • Bonding Group
    Atoms directly attached to a central atom, forming part of the electron groups.
  • Molecular Geometry
    The three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule determined by electron group repulsion.
  • Electron Cloud
    The region around an atom where electrons are likely to be found, affecting molecular shape.
  • Central Atom
    The atom in a molecule to which other atoms are bonded, around which electron groups are arranged.
  • Molecular Shape
    The specific form a molecule takes based on the number and arrangement of electron groups.
  • Repulsion
    The force that pushes electron groups apart, influencing molecular geometry.
  • Surrounding Elements
    Atoms bonded to the central atom, forming part of the molecule's structure.