Multiple Choice
Identify the hybridization of the carbon atom in formaldehyde (H₂C=O).
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Hybridization
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following molecules contains sp hybridized orbitals?
A
NH_3 (ammonia)
B
CH_4 (methane)
C
C_2H_2 (acetylene)
D
BF_3 (boron trifluoride)
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that hybridization depends on the number of electron groups (bonding and lone pairs) around the central atom and the type of bonds formed.
Identify the hybridization for each molecule by examining the bonding and geometry:
For NH_3 (ammonia), the nitrogen has 3 single bonds and 1 lone pair, which corresponds to sp^3 hybridization.
For CH_4 (methane), the carbon forms 4 single bonds, which corresponds to sp^3 hybridization.
For C_2H_2 (acetylene), each carbon forms a triple bond with the other carbon and a single bond with hydrogen, which corresponds to sp hybridization because there are 2 regions of electron density around each carbon.
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