Multiple Choice
Which of the following molecules has bond angles slightly less than 120°?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Bond Angles
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What is the bond angle in a HCN molecule?
A
120°
B
109.5°
C
90°
D
180°
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the HCN molecule, which is carbon (C), bonded to hydrogen (H) on one side and nitrogen (N) on the other.
Determine the type of bonding and molecular geometry around the central atom. Carbon in HCN forms a triple bond with nitrogen and a single bond with hydrogen.
Recall that a molecule with two regions of electron density around the central atom, such as in HCN, adopts a linear geometry to minimize electron repulsion.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory, which predicts that linear geometry corresponds to a bond angle of 180°.
Conclude that the bond angle in HCN is 180°, consistent with its linear molecular shape.
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