According to the Valence-Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory, Why are each group of valence electrons around a central atom located as far as possible from each other?
1) Negative charges, such as those found in groups of valence electrons, attract each other. Therefore, valence electrons prefer to form lone pairs than to exist by themselves.
2) Each group of valence electrons have their own spin. The spin of other electron groups may not spin in the same direction. So, when they encounter each other, they are thrown in opposite directions due to kinetic energy.
3) The positively charged protons repel each group of valence electrons such that they are spaced as far apart as possible from each other.
4) Negative charges repel other negative charges. Therefore, because electrons are negatively charged, each group of valence electrons will try to remain as far as possible from other groups of valence electrons.