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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
Although the geometries of NH3and H2O molecules are distorted tetrahedral, why is the bond angle in water less than that of ammonia?
ChemistryChemical Bonding and Molecular StructureNEET
Options:
  • A The smaller size of oxygen atoms in H2O compared to nitrogen atoms in NH3leads to stronger repulsion between lone pairs of electrons, causing a smaller bond angle in water.
  • B Water molecules have a higher electronegativity than ammonia molecules, which results in stronger electron-electron repulsion and a smaller bond angle.
  • C The oxygen-hydrogen bond in H2O is weaker than the nitrogen-hydrogen bond in NH3, leading to a greater distortion of the bond angle in water.
  • D The presence of two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom in H2O results in greater electron-electron repulsion and a smaller bond angle compared to ammonia.
Solution:
1443 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: The presence of two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom in H2O results in greater electron-electron repulsion and a smaller bond angle compared to ammonia.
Correct Option is : (D)
The presence of two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom in H2O results in greater electron-electron repulsion and a smaller bond angle compared to ammonia.

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