Chemistry Transition Elements MDCAT 2010
PMDC Verified Question 68 of 68
The geometry of complexes depends upon type of --------- taking place in the valence shell of central metal atom:
A
Protonation
B
Deprotonation
C
Hybridization
D
Dissociation
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option C: Hybridization
Concept:

The 3D spatial arrangement (geometry) of ligands around a central metal atom in a coordination complex is dictated by the mixing of atomic orbitals.

Solution:

  • According to Valence Bond Theory (VBT), the central metal atom makes available a number of empty orbitals equal to its coordination number.


  • These empty orbitals (s, p, and d) mix together to form new, equivalent orbitals in a process called hybridization.


  • The specific type of hybridization dictates the geometry:
    \(sp^3\) \(\rightarrow\) Tetrahedral
    \(dsp^2\) \(\rightarrow\) Square Planar
    \(sp^3d^2\) or \(d^2sp^3\) \(\rightarrow\) Octahedral.


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Protonation, deprotonation, and dissociation are chemical reactions involving the gain/loss of protons or the breaking apart of molecules, entirely unrelated to defining the central geometric structure of atomic orbitals.

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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