Lone Pairs on Axial vs. Equatorial Positions

[Karishma_1G]

The textbook on page 110 (7th edition) says that for an AX₃E₂ molecule, the lone pairs occupy two of the three equatorial positions where as the lone pairs for an AX₄E₂ occupy the two axial positions. Why wouldn't the two lone pairs on AX₃E₂ occupy the two axial positions like the AX₄E₂ molecule since 180 degrees is greater than 120 degrees?

[Shubham Rai 2C]

I think Dr. Lavelle said that this happens as the molecule wants to be in a state where the lone pairs are not in 90 degrees from the least number of bonds. So if the lone pairs occupy the axial position, they will be 90 degrees to 3 bonds while if they don't then it would be only 2 bonds.

[Mallory_Podosin_1H]

They don't occupy the axial positions because the lone pairs want to repel the atoms more than the 90 degrees that set-up would allow. By putting the lone pairs on two of the three equatorial positions, the lone pairs can repel the atoms more effectively and substantially.