Question

Identify the structure of water in the gaseous phase.

• A. H–O–H (linear)
• B. H–O–H (with extra H)
• C. Bent structure with bond angle 104.5^∘
• D. None of these

Hint:

Lone pair–bond pair repulsion reduces bond angle.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Water molecule has two lone pairs on oxygen causing a bent geometry with bond angle 104.5^∘.