Question

what is the hybridization of the central atom in the hydrogen - sulfide (h₂s) molecule?

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the central atom

The central atom in $H_2S$ is sulfur (S).

Step2: Calculate the number of electron - groups around the central atom

Sulfur has 6 valence electrons. It forms 2 bonds with 2 hydrogen atoms. The number of bonding pairs is 2, and the number of lone - pairs is $\frac{6 - 2\times1}{2}=2$. So the total number of electron - groups (bonding + non - bonding) around S is $2 + 2=4$.

Step3: Relate the number of electron - groups to hybridization

When the number of electron - groups around a central atom is 4, the hybridization is $sp^3$.

Answer:

$sp^3$