F-Be-F is a liner molecule but H-O-H is angular. Explain.

1.	F-Be-F is a liner molecule but H-O-H is angular. Explain.
Answer» i. In the BeF₂ molecule, The central beryllium atom undergoes sp hybridization giving rise to two sp hybridized orbitals placed diagonally opposite with an angle of 180°. Thus, F-Be-F is a linear molecule. ii. In the H₂O molecule, The central oxygen atom undergoes sp³ hybridization giving rise to four sp³ hybridized orbitals directed towards four comers of a tetrahedron. There are two lone pairs of electrons in two of the sp³ hybrid orbitals of oxygen. The lone pair - Ione pair repulsion distorts the structure. Hence, H-O-H is angular or V-shaped.

Answer»

i. In the BeF₂ molecule,

The central beryllium atom undergoes sp hybridization giving rise to two sp hybridized orbitals placed diagonally opposite with an angle of 180°.

Thus,

F-Be-F is a linear molecule.

ii. In the H₂O molecule,

The central oxygen atom undergoes sp³ hybridization giving rise to four sp³ hybridized orbitals directed towards four comers of a tetrahedron.

There are two lone pairs of electrons in two of the sp³ hybrid orbitals of oxygen.

The lone pair - Ione pair repulsion distorts the structure.

Hence,

H-O-H is angular or V-shaped.

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