Covalent Bonding, Lewis Structures and VSEPR
Covalent bonds share electron pairs, and VSEPR theory predicts molecular geometry from the repulsion between bonding and lone pairs around a central atom.
What is Covalent Bonding, Lewis Structures and VSEPR?
Covalent bonds share electron pairs, and VSEPR theory predicts molecular geometry from the repulsion between bonding and lone pairs around a central atom.
Key formula / rule: Lone pair repulsion exceeds bond pair repulsion.
Key points
- Derive the Lewis structure of a molecule or ion.
- Apply VSEPR theory to predict molecular shape and bond angles.
Common exam trap
Reporting electron geometry when the molecular shape is asked.
Definitions
- Term
Covalent Bonding, Lewis Structures and VSEPR
- Meaning
Covalent bonds share electron pairs, and VSEPR theory predicts molecular geometry from the repulsion between bonding and lone pairs around a central atom.
- Term
Covalent Bonding, Lewis Structures and VSEPR — explanation
- Meaning
Lone pairs occupy more angular space than bonding pairs, which is why water is bent rather than linear. Geometry follows the total electron domain count while shape names only the atoms.
Learning objectives
Derive the Lewis structure of a molecule or ion.
Apply VSEPR theory to predict molecular shape and bond angles.
Formulae
- Key point
Lone pair repulsion exceeds bond pair repulsion.
- Key point
Electron geometry counts all domains; molecular shape counts only atoms.
- Key point
Formal charge helps select the best Lewis structure.
Prerequisites
CHE-U2-CB-T1-S1-C1
Common mistakes
Reporting electron geometry when the molecular shape is asked.
Drawing Lewis structures that violate the octet without justification.
Keywords
Covalent
Bonding
Lewis
Structures
Practice preview
Which of the following statements best describes a covalent bond?…
easy
According to VSEPR theory, what is the molecular geometry of a molecule with two bond pairs and two lone pairs around the central atom?…
easy
How many lone pairs of electrons are present on the central oxygen atom in a water molecule (H2O)?…
easy