Question

fill in the blank question
the electron pairs in a molecule repel one another. these repulsive forces keep electrons from entering each others space. therefore, according to vsepr theory, the atoms connected to a central atom naturally form a shape that

interactions between the electron pairs.
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Explanation:

The VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory states that electron pairs around a central atom repel each other. To minimize the repulsive forces (interactions) between these electron pairs, the atoms connected to the central atom arrange themselves in a geometry that reduces these interactions. So the word that fits the blank is "minimizes" as the molecular shape is formed to minimize the electron - pair repulsions (interactions).

Answer:

minimizes