The shape of `H_(2)O` molecule is ______.

Options

A. linear
B. tetrahedral
C. v-shaped
D. trigonal planar

Answer

To determine the shape of the H₂O molecule, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the central atom
The central atom in the H₂O molecule is oxygen (O).

### Step 2: Determine the valence electrons of the central atom
Oxygen has 6 valence electrons.

### Step 3: Count the number of hydrogen atoms
There are 2 hydrogen atoms in the H₂O molecule. Each hydrogen atom contributes 1 valence electron.

### Step 4: Calculate the steric number
The steric number can be calculated using the formula:
\[ \text{Steric Number} = \text{Valence Electrons of Central Atom} + \text{Number of Monovalent Atoms} \]
For H₂O:
- Valence electrons of oxygen = 6
- Number of hydrogen atoms (monovalent) = 2
So, the steric number is:
\[ \text{Steric Number} = 6 + 2 = 8 \]

### Step 5: Adjust for lone pairs
Since we have 2 hydrogen atoms bonded to oxygen, we need to account for the lone pairs. Oxygen has 6 valence electrons, and it forms 2 bonds with hydrogen, which means:
- Bond pairs = 2
- Lone pairs = 6 - 2 = 4 (but we only need to consider the pairs)

So, there are 2 lone pairs of electrons.

### Step 6: Determine the hybridization
The steric number of 4 indicates that the hybridization is sp³.

### Step 7: Determine the molecular shape
With 2 bond pairs and 2 lone pairs, the molecular shape is influenced by the presence of lone pairs. The shape of the H₂O molecule is bent or V-shaped, rather than tetrahedral, because the lone pairs push the hydrogen atoms closer together.

### Final Answer
Thus, the shape of the H₂O molecule is **bent** or **V-shaped**.

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