Question

Consider the molecules $C{H}_4,N{H}_3$ and $H_{2}O$. Which of the given statements is false?

• A. The $H-C-H$ bond angles in $C{H}_4$, the $H-N-H$ bond angle in $N{H}_3$, and the $H-O-H$ bond angle in $H_{2}O$ are all greater than ${90}^{\circ }$
• B. The $H-O-H$ bond angle in $H_{2}O$ is smaller than the $H-N-H$ bond angle in $N{H}_3$
• C. The $H-O-H$ bond angle in $H_{2}O$ is larger than the $H-C-H$ bond angle in $C{H}_4$
• D. The $H-C-H$ bond angle in $C{H}_4$ is larger than the $H-N-H$ bond angle in $N{H}_3$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

All the three molecules are $s{p}^3$ hybridised but the bond angles are different due to the presence of lone pair. The bond angle of $H_{2}O$ is ${104.5}^o$ due to bond pair - lone pair repulsion and the bond angle of $C{H}_4$ is ${109.25}^o$.

Hence, option B is a false statement.