Answer: Bent (V-shape).
- A Bent (V-shape)
- B Linear
- C Trigonal planar
- D Tetrahedral
Correct answer: A. Bent (V-shape)
Explanation: Water has 2 bonding pairs and 2 lone pairs on oxygen; repulsion from lone pairs bends the molecule to ~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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