QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
"The shape of a water molecule is:
A. trigonal planar
B. tetrahedral
C. linear
D. bent"
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Answer
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Step 1:: Understand the problem
The problem asks us to identify the shape of a water molecule from the given options.
Step 2:: Recall relevant concepts and formulas
To determine the shape of a molecule, we need to know the number of electron pairs (bonded or lone) around the central atom. In the case of a water molecule (H^2O), there are 4 electron pairs around the central oxygen atom (2 from bonds with hydrogen atoms and 2 lone pairs).
Step 3:: Analyze the electron pairs' arrangement
Due to repulsion between electron pairs, they will arrange themselves in such a way that minimizes repulsion. This leads to a tetrahedral arrangement with an angle of approximately 109.5 degrees between each pair.
Step 4:: Determine the molecular shape
However, since there are only 2 bonded pairs and 2 lone pairs, the actual shape of the molecule is bent or V-shaped. This is because the lone pairs occupy more space than bonded pairs, causing the hydrogen atoms to be pushed closer together.
Final Answer
The shape of a water molecule is bent (option D).
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