Multiple Choice
In a water molecule (H_2O), after inserting the lone pairs on the oxygen atom, what type of orbitals do these lone pairs occupy?
29
views
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Hybridization
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
What is the hybridization of the central atom in the beryllium fluoride (BeF_2) molecule?
A
sp^3
B
sp
C
dsp^3
D
sp^2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule BeF_2, which is beryllium (Be).
Determine the number of valence electrons on the central atom (Be). Beryllium has 2 valence electrons.
Count the number of atoms bonded to the central atom. In BeF_2, there are two fluorine atoms bonded to Be.
Determine the steric number, which is the sum of the number of atoms bonded to the central atom and the number of lone pairs on the central atom. Since Be has no lone pairs and is bonded to two atoms, the steric number is 2.
Use the steric number to find the hybridization: a steric number of 2 corresponds to sp hybridization.
Related Videos
Related Practice
