What is the bond angle in a water molecule (H2O) according to VSEPR theory?

Practice Questions

Q1
What is the bond angle in a water molecule (H2O) according to VSEPR theory?
  1. 120 degrees
  2. 109.5 degrees
  3. 104.5 degrees
  4. 90 degrees

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

What is the bond angle in a water molecule (H2O) according to VSEPR theory?
  • Step 1: Understand that a water molecule (H2O) consists of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms.
  • Step 2: Recognize that the oxygen atom has two lone pairs of electrons that are not involved in bonding.
  • Step 3: Apply VSEPR theory, which stands for Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory, to determine the shape of the molecule.
  • Step 4: Note that the two hydrogen atoms and the two lone pairs create a bent shape for the water molecule.
  • Step 5: Understand that the presence of lone pairs pushes the hydrogen atoms closer together, affecting the bond angle.
  • Step 6: Conclude that the bond angle in a water molecule is approximately 104.5 degrees.
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