Which statement best describes the difference between electron geometry and molecular geometry?

• A. Electron geometry considers all electron groups (bonding and lone pairs) around a central atom, while molecular geometry considers only the arrangement of atoms (excluding lone pairs).
• B. Electron geometry describes the shape of the molecule, while molecular geometry describes the arrangement of electrons.
• C. Electron geometry and molecular geometry are always identical for any molecule.
• D. Electron geometry only applies to molecules with no lone pairs on the central atom.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that electron geometry refers to the spatial arrangement of all electron groups (bonding pairs and lone pairs) around the central atom in a molecule.
2. Recognize that molecular geometry describes the spatial arrangement of only the atoms (bonding pairs) in the molecule, ignoring lone pairs.
3. Note that lone pairs occupy space and influence the shape of the molecule, so electron geometry accounts for these, while molecular geometry focuses on the visible shape formed by atoms.
4. Realize that electron geometry and molecular geometry can differ when lone pairs are present because lone pairs affect electron geometry but are not shown in molecular geometry.
5. Conclude that the best description is: Electron geometry considers all electron groups (bonding and lone pairs) around a central atom, while molecular geometry considers only the arrangement of atoms (excluding lone pairs).