Question

question 12 of 25
what causes a molecule to have a bent shape instead of linear?
a. repulsion between protons forcing the bonding atoms out of line
b. attractions between the bonding atoms pulling the bonds toward each other
c. intermolecular forces pushing the atoms out of line and toward each other
d. lone electron pairs pushing the bonding electrons out of line

Explanation:

The VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory states that lone electron pairs exert greater repulsion than bonding pairs. This causes the bonding electrons to be pushed out of line, resulting in a bent molecular shape instead of linear.

Answer:

D. Lone electron pairs pushing the bonding electrons out of line