Steric effects arise from the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule. When atoms are close together, the electron clouds repel, increasing the molecule's energy. Steric effects influence a molecule's shape, reactivity, and ability to undergo certain reactions. Steric hindrance occurs when a bulky group makes it difficult for other molecules to access reactive sites due to lack of space. This can slow or prevent reactions. Steric shielding protects reactive groups by surrounding them with large substituents. Steric attraction binds molecules when their shapes optimize dipole interactions between substituted atoms.