Question

the shape of a water molecule is _____.
a linear
b bent
c trigonal planar

Explanation:

In a water molecule ($H_2O$), the oxygen atom has two bonding pairs with hydrogen atoms and two lone - pairs of electrons. According to the valence - shell electron - pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory, the repulsion between the lone pairs and bonding pairs causes the molecule to have a bent shape.

Answer:

B. bent