QUESTION:

(a) (i) Explain the principle that governs the valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR)
theory. [2]

(ii) Using the VSEPR theory, state the shape of each of these molecules: carbon tetrachloride
(CCl4), ammonia (NH3) and water (H2O). [3]

(iii) Account for the differences in bond angles between the molecules of carbon tetrachloride,
ammonia and water. [6]

(iv) Using diagrams, illustrate the shape of each of these molecules: carbon tetrachloride,
ammonia and water. [3]

ANSWER
(a) (i) The electrons around an atom repel each other and arrange themselves in space to
minimise the repulsion.
(ii) CCl4 is tetrahedral.
NH3 is pyramidal.
H2O is bent or V-shaped.
(iii) Bond angle in CCl4 is 109.5. This is because there are four bond pairs around the central
atom (C) and no lone pairs.
Bond angle in NH3 is 107. There are three bond pairs and one lone pair around the N atom. The
lone pair pushes the bond pairs closer together thus decreasing the bond angle.
Bond angle in H2O is 104.5. This is as a result of the presence of two lone pairs on the central O
atom. These push the bond pairs even close together.

(iv) CCl4

NH3

H2O