Electron Pair Repulsion Definition

Electron Pair Repulsion Glossary Definition of Electron Pair Repulsion

Molecular model
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By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on July 03, 2019

Electron pair repulsion is a theory that informs a wide variety of scientific disciplines. Physics, engineering, and chemistry use this principle especially often.

Electron Pair Repulsion Definition

The principle that electron pairs around a central atom tend to orient themselves as far apart as possible. Electron pair repulsion is used to predict the geometry of a molecule or a polyatomic ion.

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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Electron Pair Repulsion Definition." ThoughtCo, Jun. 25, 2024, thoughtco.com/definition-of-electron-pair-repulsion-604459. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2024, June 25). Electron Pair Repulsion Definition. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-electron-pair-repulsion-604459 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Electron Pair Repulsion Definition." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-electron-pair-repulsion-604459 (accessed July 20, 2024).