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Consider the following pairs of molecules that have the same electron domain geometries. Based on your observations between the Model and Real bond angles in the PhET simulation, complete the sentences to accurately compare the bond angles in each molecule.

User Sergioadh
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Final answer:

The question pertains to comparing bond angles in molecules with the same electron domain geometry, which can be altered by the presence of lone pairs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is asking to compare the bond angles of molecules with the same electron domain geometry based on a simulation. Electron domain geometries are dependent on the regions of electron density around a central atom.

For instance, if there are four regions of electron density, the electron domain geometry would be tetrahedral. However, the presence of lone pairs can affect the molecular structure and reduce the bond angle from the ideal geometry's angle.

In a tetrahedral geometry, where there are no lone pairs, the bond angles are approximately 109.5°. But if there is one lone pair, as in the molecule geometry of water (H2O), the angle decreases to around 104.5°.

Similarly, in a trigonal pyramidal geometry, such as in ammonia (NH3), the presence of a lone pair also reduces the bond angle from the ideal 109.5° of the tetrahedral electron domain geometry.

In a tetrahedral geometry without lone pairs, bond angles are about 109.5°. Lone pairs can reduce this angle as seen in water (104.5°) and ammonia.

User Ovilia
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