Question

Assertion :In $S{O}_2$, the bond angle is ${119}^o$ whereas in $S{O}_3$, the bond angle is ${120}^o$ Reason: $S$ atom in both $S{O}_2$ and $S{O}_3$ is $s{p}^2$ hybridized

• A. Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion
• B. Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion
• C. Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect
• D. Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect

Answer 1

The correct option is B Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion

It is true that the bond angle of $S{O}_3$ is higher than that of $S{O}_2$. However, the reason given in the question does not correctly explain this assertion.

The $S{O}_2$ molecule is slightly bent because the lone pair of electrons in it reduces the bond angle from ${120}^{\circ }$ to ${119}^{\circ }$. On the other hand, in the $S{O}_3$ molecule, there is equal repulsion among the three double bonds. Thus, the bond angle is ${120}^{\circ }$.