Molecular Shapes Bond angles cannot be explained with simple s and p orbitals.Use VSEPR theory. Hybridized orbitals are lower in energy because electron pairs are farther apart. Hybridization is LCAO within one atom,just prior to bonding. => Chapter 2 10 Chapter 2 10 Molecular Shapes • Bond angles cannot be explained with simple s and p orbitals. Use VSEPR theory. • Hybridized orbitals are lower in energy because electron pairs are farther apart. • Hybridization is LCAO within one atom, just prior to bonding. =>