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The electron-pair geometry of water is tetrahedral, but its molecular shape is bent. Is this contradictory? Why or why not?

User Steven Hunt
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1 Answer

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Step-by-step explanation

Water - H2O

This compound has 4 electron groups so it falls under tetrahedral for the electron group geometry.

The 4 electrons are the 2 single bonds to H (hydrogen) and the 2 lone pairs of O (oxygen).

Since H2O has 2 lone pairs => its molecular shape is bent. (according to VSEPR theory, the electrons want to minimize repulsion, therefore, the lone pairs are adjacent to each other)

User Luis Colon
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