Chemistry · CHEMICAL BONDING AND MOLECULAR STRUCTURE

Given below are two statements: Statement I: The actual shape of \( \text{SO}_2 \) molecule is bent or V-shaped with a bond angle of \( 119.5^\circ \). Statement II: The lone pair-bond pair repulsion in \( \text{SO}_2 \) reduces the bond angle from the expected \( 120^\circ \). In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

1. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.
2. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.
3. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.
4. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.