Chemistry: The Central Science (13th Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321910419
ISBN 13: 978-0-32191-041-7

Chapter 9 - Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories - Exercises - Page 390: 9.30a

Answer

Bond angles in 1 are less than 109.5, and the bond angles in 2 are less than 120 degrees.

Work Step by Step

Oxygen, the central atom for 1, has two lone pairs of electrons and is bonded to two atoms. The electron geometry is tetrahedral, and the lone pairs take up slightly more space than the bonded atoms. Thus, the bond angle is slightly less than 109.5 degrees. The Nitrogen in bond 2 has one lone pair and is bonded to two atoms, creating a trigonal planar electron geometry. The lone pair takes up slightly more space than the bonded atoms, so the bond angle is less than 120 degrees for 2.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.