Question

Assertion: The sulfur in ${SO}_2$ is ${sp}^2$ hybridized.
Reason: ${SO}_2$ has linear electron pair geometry.

• A. Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion
• B. Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion
• C. Assertion is correct but Reason is not correct
• D. Assertion is not correct but Reason is correct
• E. Both the Assertion and Reason are not correct

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Assertion is correct but Reason is not correct

Sulfur has 6 valence electrons and so does oxygen. So, in $S{O}_2$, we are dealing with 18 valence electrons total.

First, draw single bonds between the S and each O, then fill out an octet for each O. This uses 16 electrons. The other two should be placed as a lone pair on the S. Finally, move a lone pair on one of the O's so that it forms a second bond with the S. This completes an octet for all atoms.

Now count electrons groups around the S, there's a double bond, a single bond and a lone pair, that makes 3. So the S in $S{O}_2$ is $s{p}^2$ hybridized.
$S{O}_2$ has trigonal planar geometry , and has bent or V-shape.