Bond angles
What Bond angles means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definitions of Bond angles
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Bond angles in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
The characteristic angle for each shape, such as 180° for linear, 120° for trigonal planar, 109.5° for tetrahedral, 107° for pyramidal, 104.5° for non-linear and 90° for octahedral.
These decrease as lone pairs are added, because a lone pair repels more strongly than a bonded pair.
Topics that use Bond angles
- Bonding and structure (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Anomalous melting and boiling points
- Average bond enthalpy
- Averaging over similar compounds and its limitation
- bond length and strength
- Bond polarity and lone pairs
- Bond polarity versus molecular polarity
- Comparison of solid, liquid and aqueous states
- Coordinate (dative covalent) bonding
Using Bond angles in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Chemistry questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge