What is the hybridization of the central atom in CO2?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
What is the hybridization of the central atom in CO2?
sp
sp2
sp3
dsp3
The carbon atom in CO2 is sp hybridized, forming two double bonds with oxygen atoms.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: What is the hybridization of the central atom in CO2?
Solution: The carbon atom in CO2 is sp hybridized, forming two double bonds with oxygen atoms.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Identify the central atom in CO2. The central atom is carbon (C).
Step 2: Count the number of bonds carbon forms with other atoms. In CO2, carbon forms two double bonds, one with each oxygen atom.
Step 3: Determine the number of regions of electron density around the carbon atom. Each double bond counts as one region, so there are two regions of electron density.
Step 4: Use the regions of electron density to find the hybridization. For two regions of electron density, the hybridization is sp.
Step 5: Conclude that the carbon atom in CO2 is sp hybridized.
