Question

Classify each molecule by whether its real bond angles are the same as or different than its model (ideal) bond angles. In other words, do the bond angles change when you switch between Real and Model mode at the top of the page?

Answer 1

The question is incomplete; the complete question is: Classify each molecule by whether its real bond angles are the same as or different than its model (ideal) bond angles. In other words, do the bond angles change when you switch between Real and Model mode at the top of the page? Same (angles do not change) Different (angles change) Answer Bank | H2O | CO2, SO2, XeF2, BF3 CIF3, NH3, CH4, SF4, XeF4, BrF5, PCI5,SF6

Answer:

Compounds whose real bond angle are the same as ideal bond angle;

SF6, BF3, CH4, PCI5

Compounds whose real bond angles differ from ideal bond angles;

H2O, CO2, SO2, XeF2, CIF3, NH3, SF4, XeF4, BrF5

Explanation:

According to the valence shell electron pair repulsion theory (VSEPR), molecules adopt various shapes based on the number of electron pairs on the valence shell of the central atom of the molecule. The electron pairs usually orient themselves as far apart in space as possible leading to various observed bond angles.

The extent of repulsion of lone pairs is greater than that of bond pairs. Hence, the presence of lone pairs on the valence shell of the central atom in the molecule distorts the bond angles of molecules away from the ideal bond angles predicted on the basis of valence shell electron pair repulsion theory.

For instance, methane is a perfect tetrahedron having an ideal bond angle of 109°28'. Both methane and ammonia are based on a tetrahedron, however, the presence of a lone pair of electrons on nitrogen distorts the bond angle of ammonia to about 107°. The distortion of lone pairs in water is even more as the bond angles of water is about 104°.