Assertion : `XeF_(2)` is linear
Reason :Xe atom in `XeF_(2)` is sp hybridised

Options

A. If both (A) and (R ) are correct and (R ) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. If both (A) and (R ) are correct,but (R ) is the correct explanation of (A)
C. If (A) is correct but (R ) is incorrect
D. If (A) is incorrect but (R ) is correct

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the assertion and reason about the molecule \( \text{XeF}_2 \), we will analyze both statements step by step.

### Step 1: Analyze the Assertion
The assertion states that \( \text{XeF}_2 \) is linear. To determine if this is true, we need to look at the molecular geometry of \( \text{XeF}_2 \).

1. **Determine the Valence Electrons**:
- Xenon (Xe) has 8 valence electrons.
- Each fluorine (F) contributes 1 valence electron, and there are 2 fluorine atoms, contributing a total of 2 electrons.
- Total valence electrons = 8 (from Xe) + 2 (from 2 F) = 10 valence electrons.

2. **Calculate the Steric Number**:
- The steric number is calculated as:
\[ \text{Steric Number} = \text{Number of Valence Electrons} + \text{Number of Monovalent Species} / 2 \]
- Here, the number of monovalent species (F atoms) is 2.
- Thus, the steric number = \( 8 + 2 / 2 = 5 \).

3. **Determine the Hybridization**:
- A steric number of 5 indicates \( sp^3d \) hybridization.

4. **Molecular Geometry**:
- With \( sp^3d \) hybridization and 3 lone pairs and 2 bonding pairs (from the two fluorine atoms), the molecular geometry is based on the arrangement of these pairs.
- The two fluorine atoms occupy the axial positions, while the three lone pairs occupy the equatorial positions, leading to a linear shape for the molecule.

**Conclusion for Assertion**: The assertion that \( \text{XeF}_2 \) is linear is **correct**.

### Step 2: Analyze the Reason
The reason states that the Xe atom in \( \text{XeF}_2 \) is \( sp \) hybridized.

1. **Check the Hybridization**:
- As calculated earlier, the steric number of xenon in \( \text{XeF}_2 \) is 5, which corresponds to \( sp^3d \) hybridization, not \( sp \).

**Conclusion for Reason**: The reason that the Xe atom in \( \text{XeF}_2 \) is \( sp \) hybridized is **incorrect**.

### Final Conclusion
- The assertion is correct: \( \text{XeF}_2 \) is linear.
- The reason is incorrect: the Xe atom is \( sp^3d \) hybridized, not \( sp \).

### Summary
- **Assertion**: True
- **Reason**: False