Chemistry S & P Block Elements SZABMU 2022
PMDC Verified Question 49 of 104
Carbon atoms in ethane are hybridized:
A
\( \text{sp}^3 \)
B
\( \text{sp}^2 \)
C
sp
D
\( \text{sp}^3\text{d} \)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option A: \( \text{sp}^3 \)
Concept:

The hybridization of an atom can be quickly determined by counting the number of bonded atoms and lone pairs (steric number).

Solution:

  • The chemical formula for ethane is \( \text{C}_2\text{H}_6 \).
  • The structure of ethane consists of a single covalent bond between the two carbon atoms (C-C), and each carbon is singly bonded to three hydrogen atoms (C-H).
  • There are zero lone pairs on the carbon atoms.
  • Therefore, each carbon atom is completely surrounded by 4 single sigma bonds.
  • A steric number of 4 corresponds to the mixing of one 's' orbital and three 'p' orbitals, resulting in \( \text{sp}^3 \) hybridization with a tetrahedral geometry.


Why other options are incorrect:

  • \( \text{sp}^2 \): Found in ethene (double bonds).
  • sp: Found in ethyne (triple bonds).
  • \( \text{sp}^3\text{d} \): Impossible for carbon, as it does not have empty d-orbitals in its valence shell.

Quality & Fidelity Assurance: Every question on BeambePrep is rigorously curated against the official PMDC syllabus with zero filler, zero out-of-syllabus content, and zero typos. When an authentic past paper originally contained a historical mistake or ambiguity from the examining board (such as UHS or NUMS), BeambePrep faithfully reflects the original paper while detailing the nuance and scientific consensus in the autopsy above.

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