Sample 1Easy
In the methane molecule, the carbon atom is
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The answer is D.
In CH4 the 2s and three 2p orbitals of carbon mix to give four equivalent sp³ hybrid orbitals. These are directed towards the corners of a regular tetrahedron, with an H–C–H angle of 109.5°.
- A.
sp hybridisation gives a linear shape, as in BeCl2.
- B.
sp² hybridisation gives a trigonal planar shape, as in BCl3.
- C.
dsp² needs a d orbital and gives a square planar shape; carbon has no d orbitals.
NCERT: Class 11 Chemistry, Unit 4 (Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure), Hybridisation