why is H2O bent and not linear?

[joonkimdds]

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I know that H2O is bent, but I don't know why it is not linear.

is there any reasons why it can't be linear?

BeCl2 and CO2 are linear, not bent.

I don't see much difference between CO2 and H2O except
C has 4 valence electrons and O has 6.
is that what makes difference because
valence electrons are not symmetrical?

 

[Streetwolf]

The O in H2O has 2 lone pairs.

 

[JamieMac]

To be more specific, the lone pairs in H2O push the two hydrogens away creating a bent shape. CO2 has a carbon with a double bond on each side allowing for a symetrical molecule. There are no lone pairs remaining on the carbon to influence the position of the Oxygen atoms.

 

[skyisblue]

Hydrogen is considered sp3-hybridized too.

 

[Moni Ahmadian]

No Oxygen is sp3 not hydrogen.

Hydrogen is considered sp3-hybridized too.

 

[skyisblue]

sorry, that was what i meant.