Choose the correct total number of electron domains (bonding and nonbonding) about a central atom if the angle(s) between the el
ectron domains are all about 120 degrees. a) The central atom has 2 electron domains. b) The central atom has 5 electron domains. c) The central atom has 6 electron domains. d) The central atom has 3 electron domains. e) The central atom has 4 electron domains.
According to the Valence Shell electron pair repulsion theory (VSEPR) put forward by Gillespie and Nyholm in 1957, the shape of a molecule is determined by repulsion between all the electron pairs (electron domains) present in the valence shell.
The electron pairs or electron domains are known to position themselves as far apart in space as possible in order to minimize repulsions.
Hence, when the central atom of a molecule contains three electron domains, they are positioned at an angle of 120° from each other to minimize repulsions. Hence the answer.
