Question

According to VSEPR theory:

• A. the shape of the molecule depends upon the bonded electron pairs
• B. pair of electrons attract each other in valence shells
• C. the pair of electrons tend to occupy such positions that minimise repulsions
• D. the pairs of electrons tend to occupy such positions that minimise distances from each other

Answer 1

The correct option is C the pair of electrons tend to occupy such positions that minimise repulsions

The $VSEPR$ theory assumes that each atom in a molecule will achieve a geometry that minimizes the repulsion between electrons in the valence shell of that atom.

Let's try to understand with example $P{F}_5$

Repulsion between the five pairs of valence electrons on the phosphorus atom in $P{F}_5$ can be minimized by distributing these electrons toward the corners of a trigonal bipyramid. Three of the positions in a trigonal bipyramid are labeled equatorial because they lie along the equator of the molecule. The other two are axial because they lie along an axis perpendicular to the equatorial plane. The angle between the three equatorial positions is ${120}^{\circ }$

while the angle between an axial and an equatorial position is ${90}^{\circ }$