molecular geom and electron-domain geometry

[robert zellmer]

Some people are asking about the molecular and electron-domain
geometries and how you know which one the question is asking about.

I've stated in class several times when a problem states
"molecular shape" or just "shape" or "geometry" it is asking for
the molecular geometry NOT the ED geometry.  You do need to
know the ED geometry in order to predict the molecular geom.
and bond angles.   However, we want the shape of the molecule
itself w/o the lone pairs when the problem doesn't explicitly state
which one (just states "shape")

If I want you to give the ED geometry I would explicitly ask for it.

I hope that clears up any questions about this.

Dr. Zellmer