Question

In which species can we describe the central atom as having sp hybridization? Select ALL that apply.

O PH₄
O PH₃
O NH₃
O BeF₂

Answer 1

BeF2 is the species among the given options that exhibits sp hybridization, as it has a linear structure with two regions of electron density around the central beryllium atom.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the hybridization of central atoms in molecules, we count the regions of valence electron density surrounding them. A central atom with just two regions of valence electron density will exhibit sp hybridization. For the species listed in the question, we are looking for molecules or ions that have a linear arrangement or a central atom with two attachments.

BeF2 exhibits sp hybridization, as beryllium is surrounded by two regions of electron density forming a linear molecule. In contrast, NH3 has an sp3 hybridized nitrogen atom with three hydrogen atoms and one lone pair of electrons, resulting in a tetrahedral electron geometry. The PH3 molecule is also sp3 hybridized, similar to ammonia (NH3), with a lone pair and three bonding pairs. The provided PH4 species does not exist in standard chemical nomenclature. Therefore, only BeF2 is sp hybridized among the given options.