Question

select the correct answer. what causes the difference in bond angles in carbon dioxide and water? a. the distance between the atoms in either molecules b. the fact that there are two oxygen atoms in carbon dioxide and only one in water c. the fact that the number of lone pairs of electrons on the central atom is greater in the case of water d. the presence of a carbon atom in carbon dioxide e. the presence of a hydrogen atom in water

Explanation:

The bond angles in molecules are determined by the repulsion between bonding - pairs and lone - pairs of electrons around the central atom. In carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), the central carbon atom has no lone pairs and has a linear geometry with a bond angle of 180°. In water ($H_2O$), the central oxygen atom has two lone pairs of electrons in addition to the two bonding pairs. These lone pairs exert greater repulsion than bonding pairs, causing the bond angle in water to be less than 180° (approx. 104.5°).

Answer:

C. the fact that the number of lone pairs of electrons on the central atom is greater in the case of water