Question:easy

The difference in bond angles between $\text{SO}_2$ and $\text{H}_2\text{O}$ is:

Show Hint

More lone pairs produce greater repulsion and stronger compression of bond angles. Hence $\text{H}_2\text{O}$ has a much smaller bond angle than $\text{SO}_2$.
Updated On: Jun 15, 2026
  • $12.5^\circ$
  • $17.5^\circ$
  • $15.0^\circ$
  • $13.0^\circ$
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Examine the geometry of $\text{SO}_2$.
Sulphur dioxide is $sp^2$ hybridized with one lone pair, giving a bent shape.
Step 2: State its bond angle.
Because of the lone pair and the double bond character, its O to S to O angle is about $119.5^\circ$.
Step 3: Examine the geometry of water.
Water is $sp^3$ hybridized with two lone pairs, also bent.
Step 4: State its bond angle.
The two lone pairs squeeze the H to O to H angle down to about $104.5^\circ$.
Step 5: Take the difference.
\[ \Delta\theta = 119.5^\circ - 104.5^\circ \]
Step 6: Evaluate.
This gives $15.0^\circ$, matching option 3.
\[ \boxed{15.0^\circ} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0