Question

The shape of $H_{2}O$ molecule is:

• A. linear
• B. tetrahedral
• C. v-shape
• D. trigonal planar

Answer 1

The correct option is C v-shape

The hybridization of water is $s{p}^3$. This means that its geometry must be tetrahedral. But let us not jump into a conclusion. Remember that water has 2 lone pairs on oxygen. Hence, according to VSEPR theory, the water molecule arrives at a bent or a V-shape due to the presence of lone pair-lone pair, lone pair-bond pair and bond pair-bond pair repulsions. So the answer is V-Shape.