Exemplar Problems

Problem 7 : Discuss the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory and how it predicts the molecular geometry of molecules. Determine the molecular geometry of methane (CH₄) using VSEPR.

Solution :

VSEPR theory predicts the molecular geometry of molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs around the central atom. Methane (CH₄) has a tetrahedral molecular geometry, with a bond angle of approximately 109.5 degrees.