Question

Presence of 3 bond pairs corresponds to __________ hybridisation.

• A. $s{p}^3$
• B. $s{p}^{3}d$
• C. $s{p}^2$
• D. $sp$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $s{p}^2$

The two carbon atoms form a sigma bond in the molecule by overlapping two $s{p}^2$ orbitals. Each carbon atom forms two covalent bonds with hydrogen by $s-s{p}^2$ overlap, all with 120° angles. The $\pi$ bond between the carbon atoms perpendicular to the molecular plane is formed by $2p–2p$ overlap.

You can find the hybridisation of an atom by finding its steric number: The steric number = the number of atoms bonded to the atom + the number of lone pairs the atom has.