How does VSEPR help determine the shape of the molecule? A) The shape of the molecule is determined by the mass of the nuclei of different atoms in molecule, so that the mass is as evenly distributed as possible.
B) The shape of the molecule is determined by the valence electrons of the different atoms within a molecule repelling each other, so the atoms are as far apart as possible from any other valence shell.
C) The shape of the molecule is determined by the electronegativity values of the different atoms within a molecule, so the atoms are spaced apart based on decreasing electronegativity.

Taking into account the definition of VSEPR, the correct answer is option B) The shape of the molecule is determined by the valence electrons of the different atoms within a molecule repelling each other, so the atoms are as far apart as possible from any other valence shell.

Lewis structures are useful for establishing the distribution of electronic pairs in molecules but do not contribute anything about their predictable geometry.

The VSEPR (Valencia Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) model is a simple extension of Lewis theory and is used to predict the geometric shape of a polyatomic molecule.

This model is based on the difference in stability conferred on a given geometry by the respective arrangement of pairs of electrons, either bonding or non-shared, that a molecule presents. In this way, molecular geometry is determined by that arrangement of  electron pairs that minimize the repulsions between each electron pair.

To predict the geometry of a molecule, the Lewis structure must be taken into account, in order to deduce the number of pairs of electrons present in the central atom, whether they are solitary or bonding. A double bond is treated equivalently to a single bond.

These electron pairs are then spatially distributed in such a way as to minimize repulsions. When lone pairs can be placed in more than one non-equivalent position, they are placed where repulsions are reduced as much as possible.

So the molecular geometry is determined by the position of the peripheral atoms.

Finally, the correct answer is option B) The shape of the molecule is determined by the valence electrons of the different atoms within a molecule repelling each other, so the atoms are as far apart as possible from any other valence shell.

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B) The shape of the molecule is determined by the valence electrons of the different atoms within a molecule repelling each other, so the atoms are as far apart as possible from any other valence shell.

Explanation:

The VESPR model is used to determine the geometry of molecules and compounds.

This model determines the total number of electron pairs (TEP) surrounding the central atom of a species. The TEP consists of bond pairs (BP) and lone pairs (LP).

All the electron pairs or like charges will orient themselves in such a way to minimize the electrostatic repulsion between them.

The repulsion determines the geometry of the covalent bonds around the central atom. As the number of lone pairs increases from 0 to 2, the bond angles diminish progressively.