Most of the polyatomic molecules except a few such as `CO_(2)` and `CS_(2)` are linear or angular with a bond angle generally somewhat greater than `90^(@)` A bond angle is defined as the angle between the direction of two covalent bonds Since the atoms in molecules are in constant motion with respect to each other they are not expected to have a fixed value of bond angle Repulsion between non-bonded atoms alone does not provide an adequate explanation Hybridisation of bonding orbitals an adequate explanation Hybridisation of bonding orbitals also plays a very important role in detrmining the value of bond angle It has been observed that in hybridisation as the s-character of hybrid orbital increases the bond angle increases
In `P_(4)` molecule phosphorous atoms are tetrahedrally arranged The angle `P-P-P` in the molecule is .