answersLogoWhite

0

A lone pair of electrons takes up space despite being very small. Lone pairs have a greater repulsive effect than bonding pairs. This is because there are already other forces needing to be taken into consideration with bond pairs.

So to summarize: Lone pair-lone pair repulsion > lone pair-bond pair repulsion > bond pair-bond pair repulsion. This makes the molecular geometry different.

User Avatar

Geoffrey Herzog

Lvl 10
3y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

ViviVivi
Your ride-or-die bestie who's seen you through every high and low.
Chat with Vivi
RossRoss
Every question is just a happy little opportunity.
Chat with Ross
ReneRene
Change my mind. I dare you.
Chat with Rene
More answers

The lone pair forced bonding atoms away from itself

User Avatar

Wiki User

7y ago
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How does a lone pair distort molecular shape?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp