QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
"What is the molecular shape of a water molecule, H^2O?
A. trigonal pyramidal
B. tetrahedral
C. linear
D. bent
E. none of the above"
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step, focusing on molecular geometry and electron pair arrangement.
Step 2:: Determine the central atom
- In H₂O, oxygen (O) is the central atom - Oxygen has 6 valence electrons - Two hydrogen atoms each contribute 1 electron
Step 3:: Draw the Lewis structure
- Total valence electrons: $$6 + (1 \times 2) = 8$$ electrons
- Oxygen forms two single bonds with hydrogen atoms - Oxygen has two lone electron pairs
Step 4:: Analyze electron domain geometry
\text{Electron domains} = \frac{\text{Bonding pairs} + \text{Lone pairs}}{2} = \frac{2 + 2}{2} = 4
- Total electron domains around oxygen = 4 - Electron domain geometry is tetrahedral
Step 5:: Determine molecular shape
- Bond angle is approximately $$104.5^\circ
- 2 bonding pairs (H-O bonds) - 2 lone pairs on oxygen - This results in a bent molecular geometry
Final Answer
Explanation: The presence of two lone pairs causes electron-electron repulsion, forcing the H-O bonds to bend, creating a non-linear molecular shape.
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