Molecule Shapes HW 4.1

[Jocelyn]

Why would a bent(angular) molecule have to have a lone pair as opposed to a linear molecule not having to have a lone pair? Could a central atom be attached to two different atoms and be bent?

[Angela Chen 2K]

A bent molecule needs to have a lone pair or some form of charge imbalance to allow it's shape. Linear would denote a molecule where either it's lone pairs pull in opposing directions, or a lack of lone pairs. A central atom may be attached to two to be considered bent, but not always. Hope this helped!