What two orbitals are participating in the overlap region that is part of the σ bond between the carbon and hydrogen atoms in acetylene?

• A. 2p orbital of C and 1s orbital of H
• B. sp orbital of C and 1s orbital of H
• C. sp² orbital of C and 1s orbital of H
• D. sp³ orbital of C and 1s orbital of H
• E. 2s orbital of C and 1s orbital of H

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular structure of acetylene, which is H-C≡C-H, indicating a triple bond between the two carbon atoms.
2. Understand that in acetylene, each carbon atom is sp hybridized. This means that one s orbital and one p orbital mix to form two equivalent sp hybrid orbitals.
3. Recognize that the sigma (σ) bond between the carbon and hydrogen atoms in acetylene is formed by the overlap of the sp hybrid orbital of carbon and the 1s orbital of hydrogen.
4. Recall that the sp hybridization in carbon allows for the formation of a linear geometry, which is consistent with the structure of acetylene.
5. Conclude that the correct orbitals participating in the σ bond between carbon and hydrogen in acetylene are the sp orbital of carbon and the 1s orbital of hydrogen.