Why do electrons around a central atom arrange themselves as far apart from one another as possible, while still remaining attached to the central atom?
A) Actually, electrons don't do this, but atoms do.
B) The like charges of the electrons attract each other.
C) The protons direct the electrons to do this.
D) The like charges of the electrons repel each other.
E) There is no reason for this arrangement, it is just observed to be that way.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Electrons have a negative charge, and like charges repel each other. As a result, electrons around a central atom will arrange themselves as far apart from one another as possible to minimize the repulsive forces between them. This is known as the principle of electron pair repulsion (or VSEPR theory).

Why Do Electrons Around a Central Atom Arrange Themselves as Far