Which of the following combinations of hybridization and molecular geometry is possible?

• A. sp^3 hybridization with tetrahedral geometry
• B. sp hybridization with square planar geometry
• C. sp^3d hybridization with octahedral geometry
• D. sp^2 hybridization with trigonal bipyramidal geometry

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that hybridization describes the mixing of atomic orbitals on the central atom to form new hybrid orbitals, which then determine the molecular geometry based on electron pair arrangement.
2. Identify the typical molecular geometries associated with each hybridization: sp corresponds to linear geometry, sp^2 corresponds to trigonal planar, sp^3 corresponds to tetrahedral, sp^3d corresponds to trigonal bipyramidal, and sp^3d^2 corresponds to octahedral.
3. Compare each given hybridization with its expected geometry: for example, sp^3 hybridization usually leads to tetrahedral geometry, so this combination is possible.
4. Check the other options for mismatches: sp hybridization with square planar geometry is unlikely because square planar geometry typically arises from dsp^2 hybridization (often in transition metals), not sp.
5. Conclude which combinations are possible by matching the hybridization to the correct molecular geometry based on standard VSEPR theory and hybridization models.