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Determine the hybrid orbital of this molecule.
A. sp³
B. sp²
C. sp
D. sp³d​

Determine the hybrid orbital of this molecule. A. sp³ B. sp² C. sp D. sp³d​-example-1
User Oattie
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Answer:

Answer choice (A). sp^3 hybridization

Step-by-step explanation:

When looking at what hybrid orbital may form when given just a lewis dot structure, you have to consider both the attached atoms and lone pairs.

This H2O molecule has two attached atoms (the hydrogens) and two lone pairs (the dots attached to the oxygen). When hybridized, the lone pairs will try to get as far away from the other atoms as possible, giving us a tetrahedral geometry that occupies 4 positions.

User Kiafiore
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