VSEPR theory (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory) is used to predict the geometry of molecules. - Molecular geometry depends on the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons around the central atom. Common geometries: - Trigonal planar (3 bonding pairs, 0 lone pairs) - Tetrahedral (4 bonding pairs, 0 lone pairs) - Trigonal bipyramidal (5 bonding pairs, 0 lone pairs) - Octahedral (6 bonding pairs, 0 lone pairs)