what is the molecular shape of a water molecule: linear, trignal planar, or tetrahedral? Explain using concepts behind VSEPR theory as to why it takes this shape.
Number of valence electrons in H2O = 2 (one from each hydrogen) + 6(from one oxygen atom) = 8
Dividing the number 8 by 2 we get the answer 4, hence the molecular shape must be tetrahedral
We can receive that by studying the lewis structure of water molecule
The center atom is O(label it as A), there are two bonded atoms (which are denoted by X) in vsepr theory and two lone pairs (denoted by N)
So the hybridization will be AX2N2 which will have a bond angle of 109 degree that belongs to tetrahedral shape
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