Why is a water molecule bent?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the reasons behind the bent shape of a water molecule, which involves concepts of molecular geometry and the arrangement of electrons around the oxygen atom.
Answer
A water molecule is bent because of the two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom.
The final answer is that a water molecule is bent due to the two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom, which repel the hydrogen atoms causing a bent shape.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that a water molecule is bent due to the two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom, which repel the hydrogen atoms causing a bent shape.
More Information
The lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom create electron-electron repulsion, causing the molecule to adopt a bent shape to minimize repulsion.
Tips
A common mistake is to overlook the role of lone pairs in determining molecular shape.
Sources
- Hydrogen bonding in water - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
- What causes water molecules to have a bent shape - Socratic - socratic.org
- 15.1: Structure of Water - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
