How do you utilize the VSEPR model?

[Jackie Ngo 1C]

In my notes from Lavelle's lecture, it says that the "VSEPR Model explains experimentally observed shape of molecules," but how so? I have a whole chart with arrows pointing down but I'm not exactly sure what it means. If someone can decipher / elaborate on it, that'd be great!!

[Haowen_Liang_3E]

Basically you count the numbers of bond pairs and lone pairs a molecule has, then look at the chart to find the corresponding molecular shape.
For example a molecule with 2 bonds and 0 lone pairs is corresponded to the "linear" shape.

[Linh Vo 2J]

I would like to add on that this also works vice-versa, which means that if you know the shape of the molecule or compound, you are able to figure out its bond pairs and lone pairs. Thus, the VSEPR model is ultimately very useful for deciphering both the molecular shape or the properties that the molecule has.

[Katelyn Phan 2A]

The VSEPR theory is a method in order to identify the shape of a molecule. This is determined based off the number of lone pairs and bonded pairs on the central atom. These characteristics are linked to a specific shape identified by the VSEPR Theory.

[Saman Andalib 1H]

The VSEPR model is a tool primarily used for the identification of molecular shape and orientation based upon the number of bonding and lone pairs present in a molecule. The tricky part with the VSEPR model is actually memorizing the names of all the shapes and what number of bonding and lone pairs that they are associated with.