VSEPR theory determines molecular shape from electron pairs Steps:

• Central atom X has four valence electron pairs, forming tetrahedral electron geometry.
• At least one bond pair means not all lone pairs; at least one lone pair means not all bonds.
• Possible molecular geometries: trigonal pyramidal (AX3E) or bent (AX2E2).
• Both geometries are nonlinear due to lone pair repulsion.

Why D is correct:

• Nonlinear matches the bent shape in AX2E2, per VSEPR repulsion model for four domains with two lone pairs.

Why the others are wrong:

• A. Linear requires two electron domains, as in BeCl2.
• B. Trigonal bipyramidal requires five electron domains, as in PCl5.
• C. Trigonal planar requires three electron domains, as in BF3.

Final answer: D