QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
"What is the molecular shape of water (H^2O)?
A) Linear
B) Tetrahedral
C) Trigonal Pyramidal
D) Bent
E) Trigonal Planar"
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Answer
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Step 1:: Understand the problem
The problem asks for the molecular shape of water (H^2O). Molecular shape is determined by the arrangement of atoms in a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons around the central atom. In this case, the central atom is oxygen, and it is bonded to two hydrogen atoms.
Step 2:: Determine the electron geometry
First, let's determine the electron geometry around the central atom (oxygen) using the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory. Oxygen has 6 electrons in its outermost shell (2 from lone pairs and 4 from the two bonds with hydrogen atoms). The electron geometry is tetrahedral, with four regions of electron density arranged around the central atom.
Step 3:: Consider the lone pairs
However, in the case of water, there are two lone pairs of electrons on the central atom. These lone pairs occupy more space than bonded pairs, causing the bonded pairs to be pushed closer together. As a result, the molecular shape deviates from the ideal tetrahedral geometry.
Step 4:: Determine the molecular shape
Due to the repulsion between the lone pairs and bonded pairs, the H-O-H angle is reduced from the ideal tetrahedral angle (109.5°) to approximately 104.5°. This leads to a bent or V-shaped molecular geometry.
Step 5:: Identify the correct answer
Comparing the options provided, the molecular shape of water (H^2O) is best described as: D) Bent
Final Answer
The molecular shape of water (H^2O) is Bent (option D).
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