Question:

The structure of water (\(\text{H}_2\text{O}\)) molecule is resembling with :

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Bent/V-shaped molecular structures are caused by the presence of lone pairs on the central atom, which repel and push the chemical bonds closer together.
Both \(\text{H}_2\text{O}\) and \(\text{SO}_2\) have bent structures due to this repulsion.
  • Structure of \(\text{CH}_4\) molecule
  • Structure of \(\text{CO}_2\) molecule
  • Structure of \(\text{SO}_2\) molecule
  • Structure of \(\text{BeH}_2\) molecule
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify which of the given molecules has a molecular geometry or structure that is similar to that of a water (\(\text{H}_2\text{O}\)) molecule.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
We use the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory to predict and compare the shapes of the molecules.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

\(\text{H}_2\text{O}\): The central oxygen atom is \(sp^3\) hybridized, surrounded by two bonding pairs and two lone pairs of electrons. This results in a bent or V-shaped molecular geometry.

• Let us analyze the structures of the options:
- (A) \(\text{CH}_4\): The central carbon is \(sp^3\) hybridized with four bonding pairs, forming a symmetrical tetrahedral shape.
- (B) \(\text{CO}_2\): The central carbon is \(sp\) hybridized, forming two double bonds with no lone pairs, resulting in a linear geometry.
- (C) \(\text{SO}_2\): The central sulfur atom is \(sp^2\) hybridized. It has two bonding regions (double bonds with oxygen) and one lone pair of electrons. The presence of the lone pair bends the bonds, resulting in a bent or V-shaped geometry.
- (D) \(\text{BeH}_2\): Beryllium has two valence electrons forming two single bonds with no lone pairs, yielding a linear shape.

• Both \(\text{H}_2\text{O}\) and \(\text{SO}_2\) possess a non-linear, bent/V-shaped structure, making them structurally similar in overall geometry.


Step 4: Final Answer:
The structure of water resembles that of the \(\text{SO}_2\) molecule.
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