What does the VSEPR theory explain about molecular shape?

VSEPR theory, which stands for Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory, provides a framework for predicting the three-dimensional shapes of molecules based on the premise that electron pairs around a central atom will arrange themselves as far apart from each other as possible to minimize repulsion. This repulsion occurs between both bonding pairs (between atoms) and lone pairs (non-bonding pairs of electrons).

By focusing on the distribution of electron density around a central atom, VSEPR theory successfully identifies the geometric arrangement formed as a result of electron pair dynamics. Specifically, it explains how the number and arrangement of these electron pairs lead to characteristic molecular shapes—such as linear, bent, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, and more—creating a reliable method for predicting the structure of a wide variety of molecules.

Attributes such as the number of atoms in a molecule, the color of the molecule, and ion charge distributions may relate to different concepts in chemistry but do not specifically address molecular shape related to the interaction of electrons described by VSEPR theory.