VSEPR theory suggests that bond length and bond angle depend upon the presence or absence of lone pairs. If the bond angle of `H-O-H` in `H_(2)O` is `105^(@)` (approx.), then the bond angle of `F-O-F` in `F_(2)O` will be

Options

A. greater than `105^(@)`
B. lesser than `105^(@)`
C. equal to `105^(@)`
D. equal to `180^(@)`

Answer

To find the bond angle of F-O-F in F₂O based on the bond angle of H-O-H in H₂O, we can use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of H₂O
- In H₂O, the oxygen atom is bonded to two hydrogen atoms and has two lone pairs of electrons. The bond angle H-O-H is approximately 105° due to the repulsion between the lone pairs and bond pairs.

**Hint:** Recall that lone pairs repel more strongly than bond pairs, which affects the bond angles.

### Step 2: Analyze the Structure of F₂O
- In F₂O, the oxygen atom is bonded to two fluorine atoms and has two lone pairs of electrons. The electronegativity of fluorine is higher than that of oxygen, which means the bond pairs (F-O bonds) will be pulled towards the fluorine atoms.

**Hint:** Consider how electronegativity affects the distribution of electron density in the molecule.

### Step 3: Compare Electron Density Distribution
- In H₂O, the electron density is concentrated towards the oxygen due to its higher electronegativity compared to hydrogen. This leads to greater repulsion between the lone pairs and bond pairs, resulting in a larger bond angle.
- In F₂O, the bond pairs are pulled towards the more electronegative fluorine atoms, leading to less electron density around the oxygen atom. This results in less repulsion between the lone pairs and bond pairs.

**Hint:** Think about how the distribution of electron density affects the repulsion between electron pairs.

### Step 4: Determine the Effect on Bond Angle
- Since the repulsion in F₂O is less than in H₂O due to the bond pairs being attracted away from the oxygen, the bond angle F-O-F will be smaller than the bond angle H-O-H.

**Hint:** Remember that less repulsion leads to smaller bond angles.

### Step 5: Conclusion
- Therefore, the bond angle of F-O-F in F₂O will be less than 105°.

**Final Answer:** The bond angle of F-O-F in F₂O will be less than 105°.