Which of the following best describes the bond angle in a water molecule?

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Question: Which of the following best describes the bond angle in a water molecule?

Options:

Correct Answer: 104.5 degrees

Solution:

The bond angle in water is approximately 104.5 degrees due to the repulsion of the two lone pairs on the oxygen atom.

Which of the following best describes the bond angle in a water molecule?

Which of the following best describes the bond angle in a water molecule?

Step 1: Understand that a water molecule (H2O) has one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms.
Step 2: Know that the oxygen atom has two lone pairs of electrons that are not involved in bonding.
Step 3: Recognize that these lone pairs repel the hydrogen atoms, affecting the shape of the molecule.
Step 4: Learn that the ideal bond angle for a molecule with no lone pairs is 109.5 degrees (tetrahedral shape).
Step 5: Realize that the presence of the two lone pairs pushes the hydrogen atoms closer together, reducing the bond angle.
Step 6: Conclude that the bond angle in a water molecule is approximately 104.5 degrees due to this repulsion.

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