Choose the correct hybridization for the atom indicated in the molecule below. A) sp B) sp² C) sp³ D) none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The atom indicated in the molecule is the carbon atom bonded to three other atoms - two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. This carbon atom is therefore sp hybridized, which means it has two sp hybrid orbitals and two unused p orbitals. In option A, the hybridization is simply sp, which is correct. However, option B provides more information about the hybridization state of the atom. The notation sp² indicates that the atom is sp hybridized (as in option A), but it also specifies the details of the hybridization. The letters S, U, and P refer to the s, unhybridized p, and hybridized p orbitals, respectively. The numbers 1 and 2 indicate the number of electrons in each orbital, and the superscripts indicate the symmetry properties of the orbitals. For example, sp² means that the atom has: - one electron in an sp orbital (S1) - one electron in an unhybridized p orbital (U1) - two electrons in a hybridized p orbital (P12) - one electron in another hybridized p orbital (P0) that has a different symmetry than P12 Therefore, option B is the best choice as it provides more information about the hybridization state of the atom.

Choose the Correct Hybridization for the Atom Indicated in the Molecule