Ask Question
30 April, 06:00

A central atom that is sp3 hybridized could bind up to how many other atoms?

+2
Answers (1)
  1. 30 April, 09:58
    0
    Answer: up to 4 other atoms.

    Explanation:

    Hybridization sp³ means that the atom has 4 equal orbitals formed by the combination of 1 s and 3 p orbitals.

    Each of these sp³ orbitals is a place for a chemical bonding.

    Hence, since each orbital is able to bind a different atom, you conclude that a central atom that is sp³ hydridized could bind up to 4 other atoms.

    This is precisely the case for carbon (C) atoms.

    Carbon has atomic number 6. So its electron configuration is 1s² 2s²p².

    The four electrons in the level 2, those shown in 2s² 2p², are in two different orbitals: two are in the orbital 2s and two are in the orbitals 2p.

    This diagram shows how those 4 electrons fill the orbitals

    2s⇅ 2px↑ 2py↑

    The two 2s electrons have lower energy level than the 2px and 2 py electrons, but the difference is not too big. That is why one of the electrons in the 2s ortital can be promoted to the empty 2pz orbital, and you get 4 equal hydridized ortibals, so called sp³.

    And that is why, carbon (C) ends up with 4 equal (hydridized) orbitals which can bind up to 4 different atoms, including other carbon atoms, and so, form long chains and, virtually, infinite compounds.
Know the Answer?
Not Sure About the Answer?
Find an answer to your question ✅ “A central atom that is sp3 hybridized could bind up to how many other atoms? ...” in 📘 Chemistry if you're in doubt about the correctness of the answers or there's no answer, then try to use the smart search and find answers to the similar questions.
Search for Other Answers