Which of the following molecules has a bent shape according to VSEPR theory?
Practice Questions
Q1
Which of the following molecules has a bent shape according to VSEPR theory?
CO2
H2O
NH3
CH4
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which of the following molecules has a bent shape according to VSEPR theory?
Correct Answer: H2O
Step 1: Understand that VSEPR theory helps predict the shape of molecules based on the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons around a central atom.
Step 2: Identify the molecule in question, which is H2O (water).
Step 3: Count the number of bonding pairs in H2O. There are 2 hydrogen atoms bonded to the oxygen atom, so there are 2 bonding pairs.
Step 4: Count the number of lone pairs on the central atom (oxygen) in H2O. Oxygen has 2 lone pairs of electrons.
Step 5: Combine the bonding pairs and lone pairs. H2O has 2 bonding pairs and 2 lone pairs.
Step 6: Use VSEPR theory to determine the shape. With 2 bonding pairs and 2 lone pairs, the shape is bent.
