AP Chemistrymediummcq1 pt
Which factor most directly explains why H₂O is bent but CO₂ is linear?
A.Oxygen's lone pairs
B.The polarity of the O–H bond
C.The number of atoms
D.Carbon's higher electronegativity
Explanation
Core Concept
Water's oxygen carries two lone pairs among its four domains, so the atoms occupy only two corners of a tetrahedron — bent. Carbon in CO₂ has no lone pairs, leaving two domains at 180°.
Correct Answer
AOxygen's lone pairs
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