Question

The Hybridisation of O atom in $H_{2}O$ is

• A. $sp$
• B. $s{p}^3$
• C. $ds{p}^2$
• D. Neither oxygen nor hydrogen are hybridized

Answer 1

The correct option is B

$s{p}^3$

Using VSEPR theory, no of valence electrons = 6
Ligands = 2
A,C = 0
$\frac{(V+L+A-C)}{2}=4$
Hence the Hybridization is $s{p}^3$
The shape is bent (since 2 lone pairs are there on O atom). Hence bond angle is slightly lesser than ${109.5}^{\circ }$ (ideal tetrahedral angle )

Bond angle = ${104.5}^{\circ }$