Question

What is the hybridization in H_2O molecule?

• A. sp³
• B. sp
• C. sp²
• D. sp³d

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In the water molecule \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \), the oxygen atom forms two single bonds with two hydrogen atoms. The oxygen atom also has two lone pairs of electrons. The oxygen atom's electron configuration is \( 2s^2 2p^4 \), and it undergoes hybridization with one \( 2s \) orbital and three \( 2p \) orbitals, resulting in \( \text{sp}^3 \) hybridization. This leads to a bent shape with a bond angle of approximately 104.5°, due to the repulsion between the lone pairs and bonding pairs. Thus, the hybridization in \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \) molecule is \( \text{sp}^3 \).

The correct option is (A): \(sp^3\)