Molecular shape vs electron geometry

[JulieAljamal1E]

What is the difference when asked for molecular shape versus electron geometry?

[Lily Benitez 2G]

The molecular shape doesn't take to account the lone pairs found on the central atoms, and thus results in the shape being the same. While electron geometry does take this into account and we know that lone pairs have a higher electron density so this changes the shape completely.

[AngelaZ 1J]

The molecular shape looks at the bonded atoms only, while the electron geometry includes the bonded atoms and lone pairs.

[MinaChoi_3H]

Another thing to note is that sometimes the two will be the same, and sometimes they will have different shapes.

[Ariel Cheng 2I]

An example would be AX3E. Its molecular geometry would be trigonal pyramidal but its electron geometry is tetrahedral. For those without lone pairs on the central atom such as AX4, both its molecular and electron geometry is tetrahedral.