Final answer:
Matching molecular geometries with electron-domain arrangements involves assigning shapes such as bent, T-shaped, square pyramidal, tetrahedral, and linear to specific combinations of electron domains and lone pairs according to VSEPR theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Matching each molecular geometry to the described electron-domain arrangement:
- Bent: a 3 electron domains; 1 lone pair
- T-shaped: b 5 electron domains; 2 lone pairs
- Square pyramidal: c 6 electron domains; 1 lone pair
- Tetrahedral: d 4 electron domains; 0 lone pairs
- Linear: e 2 electron domains; 0 lone pairs
The molecular geometry of a molecule is determined by the arrangement of electron domains (regions of electron density) around a central atom, which include both bonds and lone pairs of electrons. When determining the molecular geometry, the lone pairs exert a greater repulsive force than bonded pairs, shaping the final geometry of the molecule differently. For example, with 3 electron domains and 1 lone pair, the shape is bent due to the lone pair's repulsion causing the bonded atoms to come closer together. This concept is based on VSEPR theory, which helps in predicting the shape of the molecules.