Question

Based on the bond angles in CH4, NH3, and H2O, rank the magnitude of these repulsions. Rank from strongest to weakest repulsion. To rank items as equivalent, overlap them.

Answer 1

Answer:

H2O> NH3> CH4

Explanation:

According to valence shell electron pair repulsion theory (VSEPR), bond angles and repulsion of electron pairs depends on the nature of electron pairs on the central atom of the molecule. Lone pairs cause more repulsion (and distortion of bond angles) than bond pairs). Lone pair- lone pair repulsion is greater than lone pair bond pair repulsion.

Water contains two lone pairs on oxygen hence it experiences the greatest repulsion. Ammonia has only one lone pair on nitrogen hence there is lesser repulsion between lone pairs and bond pairs. Methane possess only bond pairs of electrons hence it has the least repulsion.