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

• A. Electron geometry is determined by the number of atoms bonded to the central atom, ignoring lone pairs.
• B. Electron geometry describes only the shape formed by the atoms, while molecular geometry includes lone pairs.
• C. Electron geometry considers all electron groups (bonding and lone pairs) around the central atom, while molecular geometry considers only the arrangement of atoms.
• D. Electron geometry and molecular geometry are always identical for any molecule.

Answer: (C)

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. Recall that lone pairs occupy space and influence the shape of the molecule, so molecular geometry can differ from electron geometry when lone pairs are present.
4. Note that electron geometry is used to predict the overall shape considering electron repulsions, while molecular geometry focuses on the actual shape formed by the atoms.
5. Conclude that the key difference is that electron geometry includes all electron groups, whereas molecular geometry considers only the positions of atoms.