In the context of Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory, which of the following best describes electron domains?

• A. The total number of electrons in the valence shell of an atom.
• B. Only the locations of lone pairs of electrons on a central atom.
• C. Areas where only bonding electrons are present between atoms.
• D. Regions around a central atom where electrons are likely to be found, including both bonding pairs and lone pairs.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in VSEPR theory, electron domains refer to regions around a central atom where electrons are most likely to be found.
2. Recognize that these regions include both bonding pairs (electrons shared between atoms) and lone pairs (non-bonding electrons localized on the central atom).
3. Note that electron domains are not just the total number of valence electrons, but specific spatial areas occupied by electron pairs.
4. Realize that electron domains influence the molecular geometry by repelling each other to minimize repulsion, which determines the shape of the molecule.
5. Therefore, the best description of electron domains is 'regions around a central atom where electrons are likely to be found, including both bonding pairs and lone pairs.'