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Water hybridization diagram
Accepted Answer
The hybridization of oxygen in water (H₂O) is sp³. Here's a breakdown:
Oxygen's Valence Electrons: Oxygen has 6 valence electrons.
Bonding with Hydrogen: Oxygen forms two single bonds with two hydrogen atoms.
Lone Pairs: Oxygen also has two lone pairs of electrons.
Hybridization: To accommodate the two bonds and two lone pairs, oxygen's 2s and 2p orbitals hybridize to form four sp³ orbitals. These orbitals are arranged in a tetrahedral geometry.
This sp³ hybridization is crucial for the unique properties of water, such as its bent molecular geometry, hydrogen bonding capabilities, and high polarity.
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