Question

what does the vsepr theory describe?

a. how atomic radii change during bonding

b. why a full octet of valence electrons makes an atom stable

c. which atoms are more electronegative than others

d. why molecules have different shapes

Explanation:

The VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory is used to predict the geometry (shape) of molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs in the valence shell of the central atom. Option A is incorrect as VSEPR does not deal with atomic radii changes. Option B is about octet stability, not related to VSEPR. Option C is about electronegativity, which is a different concept. Option D correctly states that VSEPR explains why molecules have different shapes by considering electron - pair repulsions.

Answer:

D. Why molecules have different shapes