Question:

Given below are two statements : one is labeled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R :

Assertion A : The H\(-\)O\(-\)H bond angle in water molecule is \(104.5^\circ\).

Reason R : The lone pair - lone pair repulsion of electrons is higher than the bond pair - bond pair repulsion.

In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :

Show Hint

Water has two lone pairs and two bond pairs on O (sp3); the stronger lp-lp repulsion squeezes the H-O-H angle below \(109.5^\circ\).
Updated On: Nov 4, 2026
  • Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
  • A is true but R is false
  • A is false but R is true
  • Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Water has an \(sp^3\) oxygen with two bond pairs and two lone pairs, so the ideal tetrahedral angle would be \(109.5^\circ\).
The observed H-O-H angle is \(104.5^\circ\), so Assertion A is true.
Repulsion order (VSEPR): lone pair-lone pair \(>\) lone pair-bond pair \(>\) bond pair-bond pair, so Reason R is true.
The larger lp-lp repulsion pushes the bond pairs closer together, compressing the angle from \(109.5^\circ\) to \(104.5^\circ\), so R correctly explains A.
Answer: (1) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
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