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Chapter 96 of 2363 min read

VSEPR and molecular shapes

Why this is asked: Shape isn't the same as electron-pair geometry: NH₃ and H₂O both have a tetrahedral arrangement of electron pairs, but lone pairs are dropped when naming the shape (pyramidal, bent). The repulsion order lone pair–lone pair > lone pair–bond pair > bond pair–bond pair is why NH₃'s bond angle (107°, one lone pair) is squeezed less than H₂O's (104.5°, two lone pairs).

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