Question

question 4 of 10
what is a consequence of electron - pair repulsion around an atom?

a. the atoms sharing the electron pairs will form attractions with other atoms.

b. the atoms sharing the electron pairs will be pushed together.

c. the atoms sharing the electron pairs will spread out around the central atom.

d. the atoms sharing the electron pairs will be lost as ions.

Explanation:

Electron - pair repulsion (as per VSEPR theory) causes electron pairs (bonding and non - bonding) around a central atom to get as far apart as possible to minimize repulsion. So atoms sharing electron pairs (bonding pairs) will spread out around the central atom. Option A is incorrect as electron - pair repulsion doesn't directly relate to forming attractions with other atoms in this context. Option B is wrong because repulsion would push them apart, not together. Option D is incorrect as electron - pair repulsion has nothing to do with atoms being lost as ions.

Answer:

C. The atoms sharing the electron pairs will spread out around the central atom.