Unit 11E: Orbital Hybridization

What is an orbital?

• A type of molecular bond

• A hybrid of two different atoms

• The name for one of the theoretical spaces around an atom's nucleus where electrons are

• A specific type of molecule

Answer explanation

An orbital is the name for one of the theoretical spaces around an atom's nucleus where electrons are.

What is a hybrid orbital?

• An orbital that exists only in hybrid molecules

• An orbital whose shape is a hybrid of the shapes of different types of orbitals

• A theoretical space that does not contain electrons

• An orbital that can only be found in the s sub-level

Answer explanation

A hybrid orbital is an orbital whose shape is a hybrid of the shapes of different types of orbitals, combining characteristics from each.

What is the significance of the term "hybridization" in chemistry?

• It refers to the creation of hybrid animals

• It is the process of determining the molecular shape

• It describes the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new orbitals for bonding

• It is the process of combining two different elements to form a compound

Answer explanation

The term 'hybridization' in chemistry refers to the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new orbitals for bonding.

When atoms form covalent bonds, what happens to the space between the two atoms?

• The space remains empty

• The space is filled with hybrid orbitals

• The space is occupied by ionic bonds

• The space becomes a vacuum

Answer explanation

When atoms form covalent bonds, the space between them is filled with hybrid orbitals, allowing for the sharing of electrons.

What is the geometry of molecules with four electron cloud regions such as tetrahedral, trigonal pyramidal, or bent with single bonds (like H2O)?

• Linear

• Trigonal planar

• Tetrahedral

• Octahedral

Answer explanation

Molecules with four electron cloud regions, like H2O, have a tetrahedral geometry due to the arrangement of single bonds around the central atom.

What type of hybrid orbital is formed by one s and three p orbitals?

• sp

• sp^2

• sp^3

• d^2sp^3

Answer explanation

One s orbital and three p orbitals combine to form sp^3 hybrid orbitals, where one s orbital and three p orbitals mix together to create four equivalent sp^3 hybrid orbitals.

What is the bond angle in a tetrahedral molecular geometry?

• 90°

• 109.5°

• 120°

• 180°

Answer explanation

The bond angle in a tetrahedral molecular geometry is 109.5°, which is the correct answer choice.

How many p orbitals are used to create sp^3 hybrid orbitals?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

Answer explanation

To create sp^3 hybrid orbitals, one s orbital and three p orbitals are used. Therefore, three p orbitals are used in total.

What is the hybridization of a molecule with three electron clouds based on the trigonal planar VSEPR shape?

• sp

• sp^2

• sp^3

• d^2sp^3

Answer explanation

Based on the trigonal planar VSEPR shape, a molecule with three electron clouds will have sp^2 hybridization.

How many p orbitals are involved in forming an sp^2 hybrid orbital?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

Answer explanation

The sp^2 hybrid orbital involves two p orbitals.