Question

The hybrid orbitals of a molecule are shown in the figure.

mc014-1.jpg

These hybrid orbitals were most likely formed by mixing
one s orbital and one p orbital.
one s orbital and two p orbitals.
one s orbital and three p orbitals.
two s orbitals and two p orbitals.

Answer 1

I can’t see the figure — could you upload it or describe the shape (how many identical lobes and their geometry: linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, etc.)?

How to pick the answer:
- 2 hybrid orbitals (linear) → sp (one s + one p)
- 3 hybrid orbitals (trigonal planar, 120°) → sp2 (one s + two p)
- 4 hybrid orbitals (tetrahedral, 109.5°) → sp3 (one s + three p)

(The “two s and two p” choice isn’t a normal atomic hybrid set for a single atom.)