Shapes of Molecules

- The electron pairs surrounding a central atom determine the shape of the molecule or ion

- The electron pairs repel one another so that they are arranged as far apart as possible

- The arrangement of electron pairs minimises repulsion and therefore holds the bonded atoms in a definite shape

- The greater the number of electron pairs, the smaller the bond angle

- Different number of electron pairs result in different shapes

A lone pair of electrons is slightly closer to the central atom, and occupies more space than a bonded pair. This results in a lone pair repelling more strongly than a bonding pair