Molecular Geometry

💧 Why Water Is Bent, Not Straight

Water (H₂O) has two hydrogen atoms bonded to oxygen. Why aren't they in a straight line (H-O-H at 180°)?

Oxygen has two lone pairs of electrons that push the hydrogen atoms closer together. Result: 104.5° bent shape.

Rotate the molecules above. Shape determines properties — water's bent shape makes it polar, which is why it's a universal solvent.