Q. According to VSEPR theory the shape of the water molecule is:
EAMCETEAMCET 1998
Solution:
The central atom in water, oxygen is in a state of $ s{{p}^{2}}- $ hybridization. The four $ s{{p}^{3}} $ orbitals should be tetrahedral mutually inclined at an angle of $ {{109}^{o}}\text{ }28, $ out of the four hybrid orbitals, two singly filled orbitals overlap with s orbitals of hydrogen forming two 0?H bonds. Remaining two non-bonding orbitals each containing a lone pair, occupy more space and compress the two bond pairs. The bond angle decreases from $ {{109}^{o}}\text{ }28 $ to $ {{104.5}^{o}}. $ Therefore, water molecule is V shaped with bond angle $ \text{104}\text{.}{{\text{5}}^{\text{o}}}\text{.} $
