QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
"Determine the hybridization and molecular shape of the carbon atom in H^2CO.
A. sp^3 and trigonal planar
B. sp^3 and tetrahedral
C. sp and linear
D. sp^2 and trigonal planar"
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Answer
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Step 1:Let's solve this step by step:
Step 2:: Analyze the Lewis Structure of H^2CO (Formaldehyde)
- First, let's draw the Lewis structure of formaldehyde - Carbon (C) is the central atom - Oxygen (O) is double-bonded to carbon - Two hydrogen (H) atoms are single-bonded to carbon
Step 3:: Count Electron Domains Around Carbon
- Double bond to oxygen counts as one electron domain - Two single bonds to hydrogen count as two electron domains - Total electron domains = 3
Step 4:: Determine Hybridization
- 3 electron domains correspond to $$sp^{2}$$ hybridization
- Number of electron domains determines hybridization - This means the carbon atom has three hybrid orbitals in the same plane
Step 5:: Determine Molecular Geometry
- With $$sp^{2}$$ hybridization and 3 electron domains
- The molecular shape is trigonal planar - Bond angles are approximately 120°
Step 6:: Evaluate Answer Choices
- $$sp^{2}$$ hybridization ✓
- Trigonal planar geometry ✓
Final Answer
D. sp^{2} and trigonal planar
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