Question

The Lewis structure of N₂H₂ shows ________.

a) Linear geometry
b) Tetrahedral geometry
c) Trigonal planar geometry
d) Bent geometry

Answer 1

The Lewis structure of N₂H₂ indicates a bent molecular geometry due to the lone pairs on the nitrogen atoms causing a repulsion that alters the shape of the molecule.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Lewis structure of N₂H₂ shows that each nitrogen atom uses one sp³ hybrid orbital to form the N-N bond, two to form N-H bonds, and one to accommodate a lone pair. The molecular geometry about each N is trigonal pyramidal.

However, when considering the molecule as a whole, the presence of lone pairs on the nitrogen atoms contributes to the molecule adopting a bent geometry. This is because the lone pairs repel the bonding pairs slightly more than the bonding pairs repel each other, resulting in a bent shape rather than a straight line. Thus, the correct answer to the student's question is that the Lewis structure of N₂H₂ shows bent geometry.