Answer: CH 4 > NH 3 > H 2 O.
- A H<sub>2</sub>O > NH<sub>3</sub> > CH<sub>4</sub>
- B CH<sub>4</sub> > NH<sub>3</sub> > H<sub>2</sub>O
- C NH<sub>3</sub> > CH<sub>4</sub> > H<sub>2</sub>O
- D CH<sub>4</sub> > H<sub>2</sub>O > NH<sub>3</sub>
Correct answer: B. CH<sub>4</sub> > NH<sub>3</sub> > H<sub>2</sub>O
Explanation: Increasing lone pairs on the central atom compress the bond angle: CH<sub>4</sub> (109.5) > NH<sub>3</sub> (107) > H<sub>2</sub>O (104.5).
VSEPR theory predicts molecular shape from the number of bonding and lone electron pairs around the central atom.
Concept context
Understand how atoms join to form molecules. Covers ionic and covalent bonding, VSEPR theory, hybridization (sp, sp², sp³), molecular orbital theory, bond polarity, and intermolecular forces like hydrogen bonding.
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