What does VSEPR stand for?

VSEPR stands for Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion. This theory is used to predict the geometry of molecular structures based on the repulsive interactions between electron pairs located in the valence shell of the atoms involved. According to VSEPR theory, electron pairs, whether they are bonding pairs or lone pairs, will arrange themselves in space to minimize repulsion, leading to specific molecular shapes.

This approach informs us about the three-dimensional structure of molecules by considering the number of electron pairs around a central atom, enabling predictions about angles and the overall geometry. Other choices provided, like Valence Shell Electron Probability Representation and Vibrational Shell Electron Pair Resonance, do not accurately reflect the concepts inherent in molecular geometry and bonding as described by VSEPR.