Which molecule has a bent shape?a)CO2b)BeH2c)H2Od)NF3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

Oxygen is sp3 hybridised in H2O molecule..... and it should have tetrahedral structure with bond angle  109•28'...but The oxygen has 6 valence electrons and thus needs 2 more electrons from 2 hydrogen atoms to complete its octet. This then leaves two lone electron pairs that are not bonded to any other atoms. ....The 2 lone electron pairs exerts a little extra repulsion on the two bonding hydrogen atoms to create a slight compression to a 104obond angle......and because of this it acquires bent/v/angular shape..

Answer

H2O Because it has two lone pairs while Co2 and Beh2 linear and NF3 is trigonal

Answer

CO2 and BeH2 possess linear geometry as well as linear shape , while H2O possess traversal geometry and bent shape.NF3 possess traversal geometry and trigonal pyramidal shape . Thus correct option is (c)

Answer

Understanding Molecular Shapes
Molecular shape is determined by the arrangement of atoms and the presence of lone pairs of electrons. The VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory helps predict molecular geometry based on electron pair repulsion.
Water (H2O) Geometry
- Water has a bent shape due to its molecular structure.
- The oxygen atom is the central atom, bonded to two hydrogen atoms.
- Oxygen has two lone pairs of electrons that repel the bonding pairs.
Reasons for Bent Shape
- Lone Pairs: The two lone pairs on oxygen create repulsion, which forces the hydrogen atoms closer together.
- Bond Angle: The ideal bond angle in H2O is approximately 104.5 degrees, less than the ideal tetrahedral angle of 109.5 degrees due to lone pair repulsion.
Comparison with Other Molecules
- CO2 (Carbon Dioxide): Linear shape due to no lone pairs on carbon and two double bonds.
- BeH2 (Beryllium Hydride): Linear shape as well, with no lone pairs and two single bonds.
- NF3 (Nitrogen Trifluoride): Trigonal pyramidal shape due to one lone pair on nitrogen, but it still does not have the bent shape like H2O.
Conclusion
Among the given options, H2O is the only molecule that exhibits a bent shape due to the influence of its lone pairs on oxygen, leading to a unique molecular geometry essential for its properties.

Top Courses for Class 11View all

Mathematics (Maths) Class 11

CUET Science Subjects Mock Tests 2026

RD Sharma Solutions Mathematics for Class 11 and Class 12

Chemistry Class 11

Physics Class 11

Top Courses for Class 11

Top Courses for Class 11

Related Content

Schools

Competitive Examinations

Quick Access Links

Technical Exams