What is the bond angle in the following molecular model of NO₂^-? A)less than 109.5° B)109.5° C)less than 120° but greater than 109.5° D)120°

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The central atom, P, has five electron pairs: three bonding pairs and two lone pairs. The bonding pairs repel each other and will try to get as far away from each other as possible. However, the presence of the lone pairs causes a slight distortion in the molecular geometry, leading to a smaller bond angle than the ideal tetrahedral angle of 109.5°. The lone pairs occupy more space than the bonding pairs and cause the bond angles to decrease. Therefore, the bond angle should be less than 120° but greater than 109.5°. Option C is the best choice that describes this range.

What Is the Bond Angle in the Following Molecular Model