Questions: How many of these hybrid orbitals are on each carbon atom? □ orbital(s)

Transcript text: b) How many of these hybrid orbitals are on each carbon atom? $\square$ orbital(s)

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Understanding Hybrid Orbitals

Hybrid orbitals are formed when atomic orbitals mix to form new orbitals that are suitable for the pairing of electrons to form chemical bonds in molecules. In carbon atoms, the most common types of hybridization are $sp^3$, $sp^2$, and $sp$.

Step 2: Identifying the Type of Hybridization

For a carbon atom, the type of hybridization depends on the number of atoms it is bonded to and the presence of lone pairs.

$sp^3$ hybridization occurs when a carbon atom forms four single bonds.
$sp^2$ hybridization occurs when a carbon atom forms one double bond and two single bonds.
$sp$ hybridization occurs when a carbon atom forms one triple bond or two double bonds.

Step 3: Determining the Number of Hybrid Orbitals

Each type of hybridization corresponds to a specific number of hybrid orbitals:

In $sp^3$ hybridization, there are 4 hybrid orbitals.
In $sp^2$ hybridization, there are 3 hybrid orbitals.
In $sp$ hybridization, there are 2 hybrid orbitals.

Final Answer

Without additional context or specific information about the molecule in question, we can assume a general case. For a typical carbon atom in an organic molecule, the most common hybridization is $sp^3$, which involves 4 hybrid orbitals. Therefore, the number of hybrid orbitals on each carbon atom is:

\[ \boxed{4} \]

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