Question

what is the hybridization of the central atom in ch₂o? sp sp² sp³ sp³d

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the central atom

In \(CH_2O\) (formaldehyde), the central atom is \(C\).

Step2: Calculate the steric number

The steric number \(SN=\) (number of \(\sigma\) - bonds) + (number of lone - pairs on the central atom).
For \(C\) in \(CH_2O\), it forms \(3\) \(\sigma\) - bonds (\(2\) \(C - H\) and \(1\) \(C=O\), and the double - bond has \(1\) \(\sigma\) and \(1\) \(\pi\) bond). There are \(0\) lone - pairs on \(C\). So, \(SN = 3+0=3\).

Step3: Relate steric number to hybridization

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 \(sp^{3}d\).

Answer:

\(sp^{2}\)