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Understanding Lewis Structure of H2O
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Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
Water (H2O) is something we use everyday, but have you ever thought about how it’s built at the atomic level? In chemistry, understanding the structure of a water molecule helps you learn about bonds, lone pairs, and molecular shapes. Topics that often come in exams like NEET, JEE, and board tests. In this article, we’ll break down the Lewis structure of H2O, explore its shape, hybridization, and bond angle in a simple way to help you learn faster and remember better.
Lewis Structure of Water
Water, a fundamental component of the Earth, is represented by the molecular formula H2O. The water molecule is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, bound together by a covalent bond. Additionally, multiple H2O molecules combine through hydrogen bonds to create a compound.
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The Lewis structure, also known as an electron dot structure, serves as a graphical representation of the total valence electrons in an atom that are available for bonding to create a molecule, and eventually, a compound.
Hybridization of H2O molecule
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Molecular Geometry of H2O
In the H2O molecule, the oxygen atom forms two single sigma bonds with the hydrogen atoms. While these two Hydrogen atoms are symmetrically arranged in the plane, the two lone pairs of electrons on the Oxygen atom repel these atoms. Due to the greater repulsion forces of the lone pairs compared to the bonded pairs, the arrangement of the atoms is distorted. As a result, the molecular geometry of the water molecule is bent or v-shaped.
The bond angle in a water molecule is 104.5°.
Summary Table: Key Properties of H2O
Property
Description
Lewis Structure
H–O–H with 2 lone pairs
Hybridization
sp³
Geometry
Bent/Angular
Bond Angle
~104.5°
Polarity
Polar
Property |
Description |
Lewis Structure |
H–O–H with 2 lone pairs |
Hybridization |
sp³ |
Geometry |
Bent/Angular |
Bond Angle |
~104.5° |
Polarity |
Polar |
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FAQs
What is the shape of the water molecule?
The shape of the water molecule is bent. This is due to the repulsion forces of lone pairs.
In the Lewis structure H2O, how many lone pairs are there on the oxygen atom?
There are only two lone pairs on the oxygen atom. Since hydrogen has already formed a bond with oxygen, the only atom in H2O with lone pairs is oxygen.
What are some examples of similar Lewis structures to water that can be drawn?
The Lewis structures of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and oxygen difluoride (F2O) are similar to those of water.
What is the total number of valence electrons available for drawing the Lewis structure of water?
The total number of valence electrons available for drawing the Lewis structure of water is 8.
What is the reason for the polarity of a water molecule?
The water molecule is bent in shape, which causes an unequal charge distribution over the hydrogen and oxygen atoms. As a result, the water molecule has a net dipole moment.