What is the difference between the electron-domain geometry and the molecular geometry of a molecule? Use the water molecule as an example in your discussion. Why do we need to make this distinction?

The electron-domain geometry of a molecule describes the spatial arrangement of all electron pairs around the central atom, including bonding pairs and lone pairs. In contrast, molecular geometry focuses only on the arrangement of the atoms in the molecule, excluding lone pairs. Using the water molecule (H2O) as an example, its electron-domain geometry is tetrahedral due to the central oxygen atom having four electron domains (two bonding pairs and two lone pairs) while its molecular geometry is bent, considering only the positions of the oxygen and hydrogen atoms. This distinction is essential because electron-domain geometry provides insight into the overall arrangement of electron pairs, whereas molecular geometry determines the shape of the molecule, influencing properties such as polarity, reactivity, and intermolecular forces.