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What's the difference between "Electron Domain Geometry" and "Molecular Shape"?
Please help! Thanks
Please help! Thanks
Electron domain geometry refers to the arrangement of electron domains (bonding and non-bonding) around a central atom in a molecule. Molecular shape, on the other hand, describes the actual shape of the molecule, taking into account the arrangement of atoms and lone pairs of electrons. In other words, electron domain geometry is a theoretical concept, while molecular shape is a physical observation.
The electron domain geometry of a molecule can be determined by counting the number of bonding and non-bonding electron pairs around the central atom. This number will correspond to a specific electron domain geometry, such as linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, etc.
Yes, the electron domain geometry and molecular shape can be different. This can occur when there are lone pairs of electrons on the central atom, which can affect the overall shape of the molecule. For example, a molecule with a tetrahedral electron domain geometry may have a bent molecular shape if there is one or more lone pairs of electrons present.
The molecular shape of a molecule can affect its physical properties, such as boiling point, melting point, and polarity. This is because the arrangement of atoms and lone pairs of electrons can determine the strength and type of intermolecular forces present in the molecule.
There is a direct relationship between electron domain geometry and bond angles. The number and arrangement of electron domains around the central atom will determine the bond angles in the molecule. For example, a molecule with a tetrahedral electron domain geometry will have bond angles of approximately 109.5 degrees.