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Ch.9 - Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories
Chapter 9, Problem 96

Which of the following statements about hybrid orbitals is or are true? a. After an atom undergoes sp hybridization, there is one unhybridized p orbital on the atom, b. Under 𝑠𝑝2 hybridization, the large lobes point to the vertices of an equilateral triangle, and c. The angle between the large lobes of 𝑠𝑝3 hybrids is 109.5Β°.

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1
Identify the type of hybridization mentioned in each statement: sp, sp2, and sp3.
For statement a, recall that sp hybridization involves the mixing of one s orbital and one p orbital, leaving two unhybridized p orbitals.
For statement b, understand that sp2 hybridization involves the mixing of one s orbital and two p orbitals, forming three hybrid orbitals that point towards the vertices of an equilateral triangle.
For statement c, remember that sp3 hybridization involves the mixing of one s orbital and three p orbitals, resulting in four hybrid orbitals with bond angles of 109.5Β°.
Evaluate each statement based on the understanding of hybridization and determine which are true.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hybridization

Hybridization is a concept in chemistry that describes the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals have different shapes and energies than the original atomic orbitals, allowing for the formation of covalent bonds in molecules. The type of hybridization (e.g., sp, sp2, sp3) determines the geometry and bond angles of the molecule.
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Geometry of Hybrid Orbitals

The geometry of hybrid orbitals is determined by the type of hybridization. For example, sp hybridization results in a linear arrangement with a bond angle of 180Β°, sp2 hybridization leads to a trigonal planar shape with 120Β° bond angles, and sp3 hybridization results in a tetrahedral geometry with bond angles of approximately 109.5Β°. Understanding these geometries is crucial for predicting molecular shapes and reactivity.
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Unhybridized Orbitals

Unhybridized orbitals are atomic orbitals that remain unchanged during the hybridization process. For instance, in sp hybridization, one p orbital remains unhybridized, while in sp2 and sp3 hybridizations, the number of unhybridized p orbitals varies. These unhybridized orbitals can participate in pi bonding, influencing the overall bonding and structure of the molecule.
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