Question

According to VSEPR theory the shape of the water molecule is:

• A. linear
• B. planar triangle
• C. F-shaped
• D. octahedral

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

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 ${109}^{o}28,$ 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 ${109}^{o}28$ to ${104.5}^o.$ Therefore, water molecule is V shaped with bond angle $\text{104}\text{.}{\text{5}}^{\text{o}}\text{.}$