Problem 57 - Chemistry The Central Science

Question

Shown here are three pairs of hybrid orbitals, with each set at a characteristic angle. For each pair, determine the type of hybridization, if any, that could lead to hybrid orbitals at the specified angle.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Compare the characteristic angles of each pair of hybrid orbitals to the known hybridization angles: 180° for sp, 120° for sp2, and 109.5° for sp3. For each pair, if the given angle matches one of these angles, that is the type of hybridization for that pair.

Step 1: Recall the different types of hybridization and their angles

There are 3 main types of hybridizations which are: 1. sp Hybridization: Linear geometry with a characteristic angle of 180° 2. sp2 Hybridization: Trigonal planar geometry with a characteristic angle of 120° 3. sp3 Hybridization: Tetrahedral geometry with a characteristic angle of 109.5° Now, let's analyze each pair of hybrid orbitals to determine the type of hybridization.

Step 2: Compare the characteristic angle of the first pair to the known hybridization angles

Determine the type of hybridization, if any, for the first pair of the hybrid orbitals with the given characteristic angle. Compare the angle to the known hybridization angles 180°, 120°, and 109.5°. If the given angle matches any of these angles, then that's the type of hybridization for the first pair.

Step 3: Compare the characteristic angle of the second pair to the known hybridization angles

Determine the type of hybridization, if any, for the second pair of the hybrid orbitals with the given characteristic angle. Compare the angle to the known hybridization angles 180°, 120°, and 109.5°. If the given angle matches any of these angles, then that's the type of hybridization for the second pair.

Step 4: Compare the characteristic angle of the third pair to the known hybridization angles

Determine the type of hybridization, if any, for the third pair of the hybrid orbitals with the given characteristic angle. Compare the angle to the known hybridization angles 180°, 120°, and 109.5°. If the given angle matches any of these angles, then that's the type of hybridization for the third pair.