Which of the following best represents the tetrahedral shape of sp³ hybridized carbons? (Note: a solid wedge is pointed towards you and a dashed wedge is pointed away.)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tetrahedral shape has four atoms bonded to a central atom with a bond angle of 109.5 degrees. In this case, the central atom is a carbon that is sp³ hybridized, meaning it has one lone pair and two single bonds (making a total of three things attached to the carbon). The fourth thing (represented by the dashed wedge) is the apex of the tetrahedron and points away from the viewer, meaning it is in a position that is 'behind' the plane of the paper. Choice B accurately portrays this geometry.

Which of the Following Best Represents the Tetrahedral Shape of Sp3

Which of the Following Best Represents the Tetrahedral Shape of Sp³