In which of the following molecules is the central atom sp3 hybridized?

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Question: In which of the following molecules is the central atom sp3 hybridized?

Options:

Correct Answer: SiCl4

Solution:

SiCl4 has four bonding pairs and no lone pairs, leading to sp3 hybridization of the silicon atom.

In which of the following molecules is the central atom sp3 hybridized?

In which of the following molecules is the central atom sp3 hybridized?

Step 1: Identify the central atom in the molecule. In SiCl4, the central atom is silicon (Si).
Step 2: Count the number of bonding pairs around the central atom. SiCl4 has four chlorine (Cl) atoms bonded to silicon, which means there are four bonding pairs.
Step 3: Check for lone pairs on the central atom. In SiCl4, there are no lone pairs on the silicon atom.
Step 4: Determine the hybridization based on the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs. Since there are four bonding pairs and no lone pairs, the hybridization is sp3.

Hybridization – The concept of hybridization involves the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals, which can explain the geometry and bonding of molecules.
Molecular Geometry – Understanding the molecular geometry helps in determining the hybridization state of the central atom based on the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs.