The shape of a molecule can be predicted from the number of electron pairs that surround the central atom in the molecule.
The Valence Shell Electron Pair repulsion theory gives us a basis for predicting the shape of molecules. The shape of a molecule can be predicted from the number of electron pairs that surround the central atom in the molecule.
In the image shown, We can see that in HCN , carbon is the central atom and is surrounded by two atoms and no lone pairs. Since there are two electron domains around the central atom, the molecule is linear.
In the second structure, BH3 has boron as its central atom. Three electron domains surround the central atom hence the molecule is trigonal planar.
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