Question

a molecule containing a central atom with sp² hybridization has a(n)______electron geometry. linear trigonal planar tetrahedral trigonal bipyramidal bent

Explanation:

Hybridization \( sp^{2} \) means there are 3 hybrid orbitals. According to VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory, when the number of electron - pair groups (bonding and non - bonding) around the central atom is 3, the electron geometry is trigonal planar.

• Linear geometry corresponds to \( sp \) hybridization (2 electron - pair groups).
• Tetrahedral geometry corresponds to \( sp^{3} \) hybridization (4 electron - pair groups).
• Trigonal bipyramidal geometry corresponds to \( sp^{3}d \) hybridization (5 electron - pair groups).
• Bent geometry can be a molecular geometry (not electron geometry in this case, and usually related to \( sp^{2} \) or \( sp^{3} \) hybridization with lone pairs, but for electron geometry with \( sp^{2} \), it's not bent).

Answer:

trigonal planar