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

₹0.0

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

Options:

Correct Answer: CH4

Solution:

In CH4, the carbon atom has four bonding pairs and no lone pairs, leading to sp3 hybridization.

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

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

Step 1: Identify the central atom in the compound. In CH4, the central atom is carbon (C).
Step 2: Count the number of bonding pairs around the central atom. In CH4, carbon forms four bonds with hydrogen atoms.
Step 3: Check for lone pairs on the central atom. In CH4, there are no lone pairs on the carbon 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 geometry of molecules based on the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central atom.