Question

what is the hybridization of the central atom in structure n? input as a single \text\ typed word.
format: for example, sp3 is typed in as sp3 with no spaces and no caps.

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the steric number

The steric number is calculated as the sum of the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central atom. For structure N (PF₅), the central atom is P. P has 5 bonding pairs (with F atoms) and 0 lone pairs. So, the steric number \(SN=5 + 0=5\).

Step2: Relate steric number to hybridization

If the steric number \(SN = 5\), the hybridization is \(sp^{3}d\). The formula for hybridization based on steric number is:

• If \(SN = 2\), hybridization is \(sp\)
• If \(SN=3\), hybridization is \(sp^{2}\)
• If \(SN = 4\), hybridization is \(sp^{3}\)
• If \(SN=5\), hybridization is \(sp^{3}d\)
• If \(SN = 6\), hybridization is \(sp^{3}d^{2}\)

Answer:

sp3d