Question

Which of the following has the correct number of s, p, and d orbitals to describe an octahedral arrangement?

Select the correct answer below:
a. 3 s, 1 p, 2 d
b. 2 s, 1 p, 3 d
c. 0 s, 3 p, 3 d
d. none of the above

Answer 1

The correct number of s, p, and d orbitals to describe an octahedral arrangement is none for s, three for p, and three for d, which corresponds to option c. This forms six sp³d² hybrid orbitals that are necessary for the octahedral arrangement.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer for the question about the right number of s, p, and d orbitals to describe an octahedral arrangement is: c. 0 s, 3 p, 3 d. This is because an octahedral arrangement involves six hybrid orbitals, which are formed by the combination of the one s orbital, three p orbitals, and two of the d orbitals, or six sp³d² hybrid orbitals. These orbitals accommodate the six bonds or electron pairs found in an octahedral geometry.