Question

The central atom in a molecule is in \[s{p^2}\] hybrid state. The shape of molecule will be
A) Pyramidal
B) Tetrahedral
C) Octahedral
D) Trigonal planar

Answer 1

Hint: Here, the central atom's hybridization is given. And we have to find the molecule's shape. We know that the \[s{p^2}\] hybridised atom indicates that there will be the presence of three groups surrounding the central atom.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
Let’s discuss how we can identify the hybridization of a molecule. If the hybridization is \[s{p^3}\], the count of groups, that is, bond pairs and lone pairs are four. That means, four groups surround the central atom.

Similarly, we can find out the number of groups that surround the central atom, if the hybridization of the atom is \[s{p^2}\]. So, the number of groups, that is, all bond pairs or the bond-pair and lone pairs are three. So, the electron geometry of the molecule is trigonal planar.
Hence, the option D is right.

Additional Information: If the count of groups surrounding the central atom is five, the electron geometry of the molecule is trigonal bipyramidal. If the count of groups surrounding the central atom is four, the electron geometry of the molecule is tetrahedral. If the count of groups surrounding the central atom is eight, the electron geometry of the molecule is octahedral.

Note: It is to be noted that molecular geometry is different from electron pair geometry. If the count of bond pair and lone pair surrounding an atom is two and one respectively, the electron geometry is trigonal planar but the molecular geometry is bent.