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What causes the difference in bond angles in carbon dioxide and water?

A. The distance between the atoms in either molecule
B. The fact that there are two oxygen atoms in carbon dioxide and only one in water
C. The fact that the number of lone pairs of electrons on the central atom is greater in the case of water
D. The presence of a carbon atom in carbon dioxide
E. The presence of a hydrogen atom in water



Answer :

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Final answer:

The difference in bond angles between carbon dioxide and water is due to their molecular geometry and the presence of lone pairs of electrons.


Explanation:

The difference in bond angles between carbon dioxide and water is primarily due to the molecular geometry and presence of lone pairs of electrons. In CO₂, the linear shape and equal strength of the bond dipoles cancel each other out, resulting in a nonpolar molecule with bond angles of 180°. On the other hand, in H₂O, the bent shape caused by the two lone pairs on the central oxygen atom leads to an unequal distribution of charge, making it a polar molecule with bond angles deviating from ideal geometry.


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