MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #3957

While studying molecular geometry, a student notices that the H-N-H bond angle in ammonia is 107.5 degrees instead of 109.5 degrees. This distortion occurs because:

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #3957

  1. Question 1

    Q1. While studying molecular geometry, a student notices that the H-N-H bond angle in ammonia is 107.5 degrees instead of 109.5 degrees. This distortion occurs because:

    • A) Bond pair-bond pair repulsion
    • B) Lone pair-bond pair repulsion
    • C) Lone pair-lone pair repulsion
    • D) Increased s-character

    Answer: Lone pair-bond pair repulsion

    Explanation: Ammonia's bond angle is 107.5 due to lone pair-bond pair repulsion. 109.5 is tempting as the ideal tetrahedral angle for sp3.