The hybridisation of the carbon atom in methane is
Correct answer: C. sp3
- A. sp
- B. sp2
- C. sp3
- D. sp3d
Explanation
One 2s and three 2p orbitals mix to give four equivalent sp3 hybrids directed to the corners of a tetrahedron, which explains why all four C-H bonds are identical and the angle is 109.5 degrees. Without hybridisation the s and p orbitals would give bonds of different strengths and 90 degree angles, which contradicts experiment. Counting four electron regions is the quickest route to sp3.
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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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