VSEPR Theory

VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory is used to predict the three-dimensional shape of molecules. It's based on the idea that electron pairs around a central atom repel each other and arrange themselves to minimize repulsion. The theory considers both bonding and non-bonding electron pairs. For example, in a molecule like NH3 (ammonia), the three bonding pairs and one lone pair arrange themselves in a tetrahedral fashion, resulting in a pyramidal shape for the molecule.