Question

The number of sp hybridised orbitals in ethyne molecule is ______.

• A. one
• B. two
• C. three
• D. four

Answer 1

The correct option is D four

$\bullet$ Hybridisation is the process by which atomic orbitals with almost similar energy intermix to form new hybrid orbitals. The newly formed hybrid orbitals have the same energy and shape.

$\bullet$ $\text{sp}$ hybridisation is observed when one s and one p orbitals intermix to form two sp hybrid orbitals.

$\bullet$ Each carbon atom in ethyne $({\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_2$) is sp hybridised. Therefore, the number of sp hybridised orbitals in ethyne is four.