Final answer:
Both bonding and nonbonding electrons are counted as domains in molecular geometry according to VSEPR theory, which influences the shape and arrangement of molecules.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, both bonding and nonbonding electrons count as domains in molecular geometry. In the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory, there are two types of electron groups: any type of bond—single, double, or triple—and lone electron pairs or nonbonding electrons. When applying VSEPR to simple molecules, the first step is to count the number of electron groups around the central atom, considering that a multiple bond counts as only one electron group.
The bonding pairs of electrons, such as those in H-H or :N=N:, count towards the total valence electrons of each bonded atom, contributing to the shape of the molecule. Likewise, nonbonding electron pairs also influence molecular shape by taking up space and repelling the other electron domains around the central atom.