Question

How does a lone pair distort the molecular shape?

O A. The lone pair forces bonding atoms farther from the nucleus.
B. The lone pair makes new bonds, changing the molecule's shape.
O C. The lone pair pushes bonding atoms closer to the nucleus.
O D. The lone pair forces bonding atoms away from itself.
SUBMIT

Answer 1

The lone pair forces bonding atoms away from itself

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory (VSEPR), the shape of a molecule is determined by repulsions between electron pairs present in the valence shell of the central atom in a molecule.

Remember that electron pairs on the valence shell of the central atom in the molecule tend to position themselves as far apart from each other as possible. A lone pair takes up more space round the central atom than a bond pair. There is greater repulsion between a lone pair and a bond pair, this greater repulsion causes a distortion of molecular shape away from that predicted on the basis of VSEPR.