Multiple Choice
Which word or two-word phrase best describes the molecular geometry of the hydrogen cyanide (HCN) molecule?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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Which molecular geometry is most commonly maintained by liquid water molecules due to hydrogen bonding?
A
Linear
B
Trigonal planar
C
Tetrahedral
D
Bent (V-shaped)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the molecular geometry of a water molecule (H\_2O) is determined by the arrangement of electron pairs around the central oxygen atom according to VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory.
Recognize that oxygen has two bonding pairs (with hydrogen atoms) and two lone pairs of electrons, which repel each other and influence the shape of the molecule.
According to VSEPR theory, the repulsion between lone pairs is greater than between bonding pairs, causing the molecule to adopt a 'bent' or 'V-shaped' geometry rather than a linear or trigonal planar shape.
Note that in liquid water, hydrogen bonding between molecules affects the overall structure but does not change the fundamental bent molecular geometry of individual water molecules.
Therefore, the most common molecular geometry maintained by liquid water molecules due to hydrogen bonding is bent (V-shaped), not linear, trigonal planar, or tetrahedral.
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