The orbital diagram that follows presents the final step in the formation of hybrid orbitals by a silicon atom. What type of hybrid orbital is produced in this hybridization? [Section 9.5\(]\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
The type of hybrid orbital produced in the hybridization of a silicon atom is the sp³ hybrid orbital. This is because silicon combines one 3s and three 3p orbitals, obtaining a total of four orbitals participating in the hybridization process.

Step by step solution

01

Determine the electron configuration of silicon

First, we need to determine the electron configuration of a silicon (Si) atom. Silicon has 14 electrons. Its electron configuration is: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p²
02

Identify the valence electron orbitals

Next, let's identify the orbitals containing the valence electrons. In the electron configuration we found, the valence electrons are in the 3s and 3p orbitals. The valence electron configuration for silicon is: 3s² 3p²
03

Determine the orbitals participating in the hybridization

We need to figure out which orbitals are involved in the hybridization process. Since silicon has 4 valence electrons (2 in 3s and 2 in 3p), it needs 4 orbitals to accommodate these electrons. Silicon merges one 3s and three 3p orbitals in the hybridization process.
04

Identify the type of hybrid orbitals formed

Since silicon combines one 3s and three 3p orbitals, we have a total of four orbitals participating in the hybridization process. Therefore, the type of hybrid orbitals formed is sp³ hybrid orbitals. In conclusion, the type of hybrid orbital produced in the hybridization of a silicon atom is the sp³ hybrid orbital.

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