valence shell electron pair repulsion theory

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory explains how molecules shape themselves based on electron pairs around an atom. Electrons in the outermost (valence) shell tend to be paired, and these pairs repel each other due to their negative charges. To minimize this repulsion, electron pairs position themselves as far apart as possible, which determines the molecule’s shape. For example, if there are two pairs, they line up with a specific angle; if three, they form a different shape. VSEPR helps predict molecular geometries based on the number of bonding and non-bonding electron pairs.