Skip to main content
Ch.9 - Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories
Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 14th Edition
Brown14th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780134414232Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBrown 14th EditionCh.9 - Molecular Geometry and Bonding TheoriesProblem 53
Chapter 9, Problem 53

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. (a)
Three pairs of hybrid orbitals at angles 45°, 80°, 120°, and 180° for hybridization analysis.


(b)



(c)

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the characteristic angles for each pair of hybrid orbitals: 45°, 80°, 120°, and 180°.
Recall the common hybridization angles: sp (180°), sp2 (120°), sp3 (109.5°), and other less common hybridizations.
Determine the hybridization for the 45° angle. Note that this angle is not typical for standard hybrid orbitals, suggesting no common hybridization.
Determine the hybridization for the 80° angle. This angle is also not typical for standard hybrid orbitals, suggesting no common hybridization.
Determine the hybridization for the 120° and 180° angles. The 120° angle corresponds to sp2 hybridization, and the 180° angle corresponds to sp hybridization.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
58s
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Hybridization

Hybridization is the process of combining atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals that can accommodate bonding in molecules. The type of hybridization depends on the number of atomic orbitals mixed and the geometry of the resulting hybrid orbitals, which influences bond angles and molecular shape.
Recommended video:
Guided course
00:51
Hybridization

Bond Angles

Bond angles are the angles formed between adjacent bonds in a molecule, which are determined by the arrangement of hybrid orbitals. Different types of hybridization lead to characteristic bond angles, such as 180° for sp hybridization, 120° for sp², and 109.5° for sp³, reflecting the geometry of the molecule.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:53
Bond Angles

Types of Hybridization

There are several types of hybridization, including sp, sp², and sp³, each corresponding to different geometrical arrangements. For example, sp hybridization results in linear geometry with a 180° bond angle, while sp² leads to trigonal planar geometry with 120° angles, and sp³ results in tetrahedral geometry with 109.5° angles.
Recommended video:
Guided course
00:51
Hybridization
Related Practice
Textbook Question
(c) Write the formulas for the analogousspecies of the elements of period 3;
874
views
Textbook Question

What is the hybridization of the central atom in (c) O3?

715
views
Textbook Question

(b) What would you expect for the magnitude and direction of the bond dipoles in this series?

602
views
Textbook Question

(a) Draw a picture showing how two p orbitals on two different atoms can be combined to make a σ bond. (b) Sketch a π bond that is constructed from p orbitals.

Textbook Question

What is the hybridization of the central atom in (d) NO2?

669
views
Textbook Question

What is the hybridization of the central atom in (a) PBr5? (b) CH2O?

961
views