What is the hybridization of the central atom in O3 (ozone)?
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the hybridization of the central atom in O3 (ozone)?
sp
sp2
sp3
dsp2
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the hybridization of the central atom in O3 (ozone)?
Correct Answer: sp2
Step 1: Identify the central atom in O3. In ozone, the central atom is oxygen (O).
Step 2: Count the number of bonds the central oxygen atom forms. In O3, the central oxygen forms one double bond and one single bond with the other two oxygen atoms.
Step 3: Determine the number of lone pairs on the central atom. The central oxygen in O3 has one lone pair of electrons.
Step 4: Use the VSEPR theory to find the hybridization. The central atom has 3 regions of electron density (2 bonds + 1 lone pair).
Step 5: Based on the 3 regions of electron density, the hybridization is sp2.
Step 6: Conclude that the molecular shape is bent due to the presence of the lone pair.
