Question

Why is water a bent molecule and not linear?

• A. Water has four electron domains repelling each other, causing the molecule to be bent.
• B. There are not enough electrons involved for the molecule to be linear.
• C. Because the oxygen in water can only make bent molecules.
• D. The molecule alternates in between a bent geometry and a linear geometry.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

The correct option is A Water has four electron domains repelling each other, causing the molecule to be bent.
VSEPR theory tells us water has a bent shape.
Water is a bent molecule rather than linear. The reason for this bent shape comes from the electronegative nature of the oxygen atom. The electronegativity of oxygen creates a dipole moment in the molecule
Explanation:
The central oxygen atom has four pairs of electrons. Two pairs are shared in single covalent bonds with hydrogen atoms. The other two pairs are not shared with any other atom (non-bonding pair).