Question

When carbon forms 4 single bonds, the single bonds will be composed of

a) sp hybrid orbitals
b) sp2 hybrid orbitals
c) s orbitals
d) p orbitals
e) sp3 hybrid orbitals

Answer 1

When carbon forms 4 single bonds, the single bonds will be composed of sp³ hybrid orbitals. Carbon atoms 1 and 4 have four single bonds and are thus tetrahedral with sp³ hybridization. Carbon atoms 2 and 3 are involved in the triple bond, so they have linear geometries and would be classified as sp hybrids.

Step-by-step explanation:

When carbon forms 4 single bonds, the single bonds will be composed of sp³ hybrid orbitals.

Carbon atoms 1 and 4 have four single bonds and are thus tetrahedral with sp³ hybridization.

Carbon atoms 2 and 3 are involved in the triple bond, so they have linear geometries and would be classified as sp hybrids.

This occurs when one s orbital and three p orbitals mix to form four equivalent sp3 hybrid orbitals.

These sp3 hybrid orbitals are used to form sigma bonds with other atoms, such as in the methane (CH4) molecule, where carbon forms four sp3-s sigma bonds with hydrogen.