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According to valence shell electron pair repulsion theory, the repulsive forces between the electron pair of central atom of molecule are in the order:

Correct answer: A. Lone Pair - Lone Pair > Lone Pair - Bond Pair > Bond Pair - Bond Pair

  • A. Lone Pair - Lone Pair > Lone Pair - Bond Pair > Bond Pair - Bond Pair
  • B. Lone Pair - Bond Pair > Lone Pair - Lone Pair > Bond Pair - Bond Pair
  • C. Bond Pair - Bond Pair > Lone Pair - Lone Pair > Lone Pair - Bond Pair
  • D. Lone Pair - Bond Pair > Bond Pair - Bond Pair > Lone Pair - Lone Pair

Explanation

According to the VSEPR theory, lone pairs of electrons occupy more space than bonding pairs. As a consequence, this is an order of the magnitude of repulsion. Lone Pair - Lone Pair > Lone Pair - Bond Pair > Bond Pair - Bond Pair The greatest repulsion is between 2 lone pairs. Followed by repulsion between one lone pair and one bonding pair. The weakest repulsion is between 2 bonding pairs, the magnitude of repulsion between bonding pairs of electrons depends on the electronegativity difference between a central atom and the other atoms.

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Chemical bonding explains molecular shape through VSEPR theory and distinguishes sigma bonds from pi bonds. Questions involve hybridization, bond angles, dipole moment and bond energy, including how electron-pair repulsion determines geometry and how bond polarity differs from the overall polarity of a molecule.

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