Science, Tech, Math › Science Electron Pair Repulsion Definition Electron Pair Repulsion Glossary Definition of Electron Pair Repulsion Print WLADIMIR BULGAR/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate 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. Learn about our Editorial Process 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. Read More Lone Pair Definition in Chemistry By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. 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. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Electron Pair Repulsion Definition." ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-electron-pair-repulsion-604459. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 27). 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 April 27, 2024). copy citation