Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Electron-Domain Geometry
Electron-domain geometry refers to the spatial arrangement of all electron domains (bonding and nonbonding) around a central atom in a molecule. It is determined by the number of electron domains, which can include single bonds, double bonds, triple bonds, and lone pairs. The geometry helps predict the overall shape of the molecule based on the repulsion between these electron domains.
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Molecular Geometry
Molecular geometry describes the three-dimensional arrangement of the atoms in a molecule, considering only the positions of the nuclei of the atoms. It is influenced by the electron-domain geometry but focuses solely on the bonding pairs of electrons. Different arrangements of bonding pairs lead to distinct molecular shapes, such as tetrahedral, trigonal planar, or octahedral.
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VSEPR Theory
Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory is a model used to predict the geometry of molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs surrounding a central atom. According to VSEPR, electron pairs will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, leading to specific geometries. This theory is essential for determining both electron-domain and molecular geometries based on the number of bonding and nonbonding domains.
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