Question 1

According to VSEPR theory, what is the predicted molecular geometry of methane ($$\mathrm{CH_4$}$$)?

Accepted Answer

Tetrahedral

Question 2

Which hybridization occurs in the carbon atom of ethene ($$\mathrm{C_2H_4}$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$sp^2$$

Question 3

What is the steric number for the central carbon atom in acetylene ($$\mathrm{C_2H_2}$$)?

Accepted Answer

2

Question 4

Which statement best explains why carbon can form four covalent bonds in methane ($$\mathrm{CH_4$}$$)?

Accepted Answer

Carbon undergoes hybridization, mixing its 2s and 2p orbitals to form four $$sp^3$$ hybrid orbitals.

Question 5

Which of the following molecules has a trigonal planar geometry according to VSEPR theory?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{C_2H_4}$$

Question 6

What is the percentage of s-character in an $$sp^2$$ hybrid orbital?

Accepted Answer

$$33\%$$

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the shape and orientation of $$sp$$ hybrid orbitals?

Accepted Answer

Two lobes oriented 180° apart, forming a linear geometry

Question 8

A molecule has a central atom with two bonding pairs and two lone pairs. According to VSEPR theory, what is its molecular shape?

Accepted Answer

Bent

Question 9

Which hybridization is associated with a steric number of 4?

Accepted Answer

$$sp^3$$

Question 10

In the context of hybrid orbitals, what is the main reason for promoting an electron from the 2s to the 2p orbital in carbon?

Accepted Answer

To allow carbon to form four unpaired electrons for bonding

Question 11

Which of the following molecules is most likely to have $$sp^3$$ hybridization at its central atom?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CH_4$}$$

Question 12

What is the steric number for the central atom in ammonia ($$\mathrm{NH_3$}$$), and what is its molecular geometry?

Accepted Answer

Steric number 4, trigonal pyramidal

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the energy composition of $$sp^3$$ hybrid orbitals?

Accepted Answer

$$75\% s $$and $$25\% p $$character

Question 14

Which molecule is an example of a central atom with $$sp$$ hybridization?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{C_2H_2}$$

Question 15

Which of the following statements about non-bonding electron pairs is correct according to VSEPR theory?

Accepted Answer

Non-bonding pairs repel more strongly than bonding pairs, distorting the expected geometry.

Question 16

Which hybridization would you expect for the central atom in $$\mathrm{BF_3$}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$sp^2$$

Question 17

A molecule has a steric number of 3. What is the expected bond angle between its atoms?

Accepted Answer

$$120^\circ$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a consequence of hybridization in carbon atoms?

Accepted Answer

Carbon can form four equivalent bonds in a tetrahedral arrangement.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the orientation of $$sp^2$$ hybrid orbitals?

Accepted Answer

Oriented 120° apart in a trigonal planar geometry

Question 20

Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for carbon in its ground state?

Accepted Answer

$$1s^2$$\ $$2s^2$$\ $$2p^2$$

Hybrid Orbitals and Molecular Shape: VSEPR Theory and Hybridization

Study Guide - Practice Questions