NEETChemistryChemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
What is the primary factor that determines the shape of a molecule, according to the VSEPR theory?
Options
- AThe central atom's charge
- BThe number of valence shell electron pairs around the central atom
- CThe size of the central atom
- DThe electronegativity of the central atom
Correct answer
B. The number of valence shell electron pairs around the central atom
Step-by-step solution
According to the VSEPR theory, the shape of a molecule depends on the number of valence shell electron pairs (bonded or non-bonded) around the central atom.