Question

Identify the structure of water in the gaseous phase.

• A. Linear H-O-H
• B. Planar structure
• C. Bent structure with bond angle 104.5^∘
• D. None of these

Hint:

Water molecule is always bent due to presence of two lone pairs on oxygen.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: In gaseous phase, water molecule exists as an individual molecule. Step 2: Oxygen has two lone pairs and two bond pairs. Step 3: According to VSEPR theory, lone pair–lone pair and lone pair–bond pair repulsions cause bending of the molecule. ∠ HOH = 104.5^∘