Question

From the list below, select the shape that describes the $H_{2}O$:

• A. Linear
• B. Bent (v-shaped)
• C. Trigonal planar
• D. Pyramidal
• E. Regular tetrahedral

Answer 1

The correct option is B Bent (v-shaped)

With only the three atoms the bond angle of the water molecule lies in two directions. Like the carbon atom in methane and nitrogen atom in ammonia the oxygen atom in water is surrounded by four electron pairs. These pairs are not in the same plane as the three atoms, one pair is above that plane and the other is beneath it.

A molecule of water has an angular or bent shape. The H-O-H bond angle in a molecule of water is 104.5^o, an angle that is also quite close to the 109.5^o bond angles of methane.