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Multiple Choice
Which of the following diagrams best represents the bonding in a water (H2O) molecule?
A
An oxygen atom single-bonded to two hydrogen atoms with a bent molecular shape.
B
An oxygen atom single-bonded to two hydrogen atoms in a linear arrangement.
C
An oxygen atom triple-bonded to two hydrogen atoms with a trigonal planar shape.
D
An oxygen atom double-bonded to two hydrogen atoms in a linear arrangement.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Identify the atoms involved and their valence electrons. Oxygen has 6 valence electrons, and each hydrogen has 1 valence electron.
Step 2: Determine the type of bonds formed. Oxygen typically forms two single covalent bonds to complete its octet, bonding with two hydrogen atoms each sharing one electron.
Step 3: Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular shape. Oxygen has two bonding pairs and two lone pairs of electrons, which repel each other.
Step 4: According to VSEPR, the repulsion between lone pairs and bonding pairs causes the molecule to adopt a bent shape rather than a linear shape.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct diagram shows an oxygen atom single-bonded to two hydrogen atoms with a bent molecular shape, reflecting the actual bonding and geometry of water (H\_2O).