The hybridization sp is associated with which molecular geometry?

The hybridization sp is associated with which molecular geometry?

• A. 180°
• B. 90°
• C. 109.5°
• D. 120°

Answer: (A)

Hybridization sp forms two equivalent orbitals by mixing one s and one p orbital. These two sp hybrids orient directly opposite each other, giving a straight line. That straight-line arrangement corresponds to a bond angle of 180°, which is why the geometry associated with sp hybridization is linear. This happens when the central atom has two regions of electron density, as in molecules like CO2 or BeCl2. In contrast, sp2 gives about 120° (trigonal planar) and sp3 gives about 109.5° (tetrahedral). The 180° option is the one that matches the sp hybridization scenario.

Hybridization sp forms two equivalent orbitals by mixing one s and one p orbital. These two sp hybrids orient directly opposite each other, giving a straight line. That straight-line arrangement corresponds to a bond angle of 180°, which is why the geometry associated with sp hybridization is linear. This happens when the central atom has two regions of electron density, as in molecules like CO2 or BeCl2. In contrast, sp2 gives about 120° (trigonal planar) and sp3 gives about 109.5° (tetrahedral). The 180° option is the one that matches the sp hybridization scenario.