In sp3 hybridization the expected geometry of molecules will be__________________?

Correct answer: C. tetrahedral

  • A. square planar
  • B. trigonal pyramidal
  • C. tetrahedral
  • D. linear

Explanation

sp3 hybridization produces four equivalent hybrid orbitals directed toward the corners of a tetrahedron, giving a tetrahedral electron-pair geometry. The common distractor is trigonal pyramidal, which applies to an sp3 atom with one lone pair, such as nitrogen in NH3, rather than the basic expected sp3 geometry.

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About Hybridization

Hybridization explains bonding by combining atomic orbitals to form equivalent hybrid orbitals with definite geometries. Coverage includes sp, sp², sp³, sp³d and sp³d² hybridization, their shapes and bond angles, and the relation of sigma and pi bonds to molecular structure.

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