Question

answer the questions below about the highlighted atom in this lewis structure:

in how many sigma bonds does the highlighted atom participate?

in how many pi bonds does the highlighted atom participate?

what is the orbital hybridization of the highlighted atom?

Explanation:

1. Number of Sigma Bonds

Step1: Identify bonds of highlighted C

The highlighted C (middle C) is bonded to: left C (single bond), right C (single bond), 2 H atoms (single bonds). Single bonds are sigma bonds.

Step2: Count sigma bonds

Left C: 1 sigma, right C: 1 sigma, 2 H: 2 sigma. Total: \(1 + 1 + 2 = 4\).

Step1: Check bond types with pi

Pi bonds are in double/triple bonds. Highlighted C has single bonds (left C, right C, Hs) – no double/triple bonds.

Step2: Count pi bonds

Since all bonds are single (sigma), pi bonds = 0.

Step1: Determine steric number

Steric number = number of sigma bonds + lone pairs. Highlighted C has 4 sigma bonds, 0 lone pairs.

Step2: Find hybridization

Steric number 4 → \(sp^3\) hybridization (tetrahedral geometry, 4 sigma bonds).

Answer:

4

2. Number of Pi Bonds