Which of the following molecules has a bent shape? A) CO₂ B) H₂O C) CO₃^2- D) NH₄⁺ E) BCl₃

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To determine the shape of a molecule, we need to look at its molecular geometry. A bent shape is also called a V-shaped or angular shape and occurs when there are three atoms attached and one lone pair of electrons. The molecule H₂O has a linear shape (180-degree bond angle) because there are only two atoms bonded to the central atom sulfur. CO₂ has a linear shape for the same reason. CO₃^2- has a trigonal planar shape (120-degree bond angle) because there are three atoms attached to the central atom carbon and no lone pairs of electrons. NH₄⁺ has a tetrahedral shape because there are four atoms attached to the central atom nitrogen and no lone pairs of electrons. BCl₃ has a trigonal planar shape because there are three atoms attached to the central atom boron and no lone pairs of electrons. Therefore, the only molecule with a bent shape is the one with one lone pair of electrons and three attached atoms, which is molecule B, H₂O.

Which of the Following Molecules Has a Bent Shape