Molecular Geometry of Water (H₂O) - VSEPR Theory
What is the molecular geometry of Water (H₂O)?
Water (H₂O) has 4 electron domains around the central O atom: 2 bonding and 2 lone pair(s). The electron domain geometry is tetrahedral, giving a bent molecular shape with bond angles of approximately 104.5 degrees.
| Formula | H₂O |
| Name | Water |
| Central Atom | O |
| Bonding Domains | 2 |
| Lone Pair Domains | 2 |
| Total Electron Domains | 4 |
| Electron Domain Geometry | Tetrahedral |
| Molecular Geometry | Bent |
| Bond Angle | 104.5° |
Electron Domain Count
Oxygen has 2 bonding domains (one for each O–H bond) and 2 lone pairs = 4 total electron domains.
Electron Domain Geometry
4 electron domains arrange in a tetrahedral pattern to maximize distance between them. This is the electron-domain geometry.
Molecular Geometry
The 2 lone pairs are invisible in the molecular shape. Only the 2 bonded atoms define the shape — giving water a bent geometry.
Bond Angle
The bond angle is 104.5° instead of the ideal 109.5° because lone pairs occupy more space than bonding pairs, compressing the H–O–H angle.
See electron domains, molecular shapes, and bond angles on interactive 3D molecules with Lewis structure overlays.
Visualize Water's Geometry in 3DRelated Topics
Molecular Geometry of Methane
VSEPR analysis of CH₄
Molecular Geometry of Carbon Dioxide
VSEPR analysis of CO₂
Molecular Geometry of Ammonia
VSEPR analysis of NH₃
Lewis Structure of H₂O
Draw the Lewis dot structure of Water
Is Water Polar or Nonpolar?
Polarity analysis of H₂O
Orbital Hybridization
See how atomic orbitals mix to form sp, sp2, and sp3 hybrids