An `sp^(3)` hybrid orbital possesses

Options

A. `(1)/(4)` s-character
B. `(1)/(2)` s-character
C. `(2)/(3)` s-character
D. `(3)/(4)` s-character

Answer

To determine the characteristics of an `sp^3` hybrid orbital, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Formation of `sp^3` Hybrid Orbitals
`sp^3` hybrid orbitals are formed by the combination of one `s` orbital and three `p` orbitals. This means that the hybridization involves the mixing of these four atomic orbitals.

### Step 2: Calculate the S Character
To find the s character of the `sp^3` hybrid orbital, we use the formula:
\[ \text{S character} = \frac{\text{Number of s orbitals}}{\text{Total number of orbitals}} \]

In the case of `sp^3` hybridization:
- Number of s orbitals = 1
- Total number of orbitals = 1 (s) + 3 (p) = 4

Substituting these values into the formula:
\[ \text{S character} = \frac{1}{4} \]

### Step 3: Calculate the P Character
Next, we calculate the p character using a similar formula:
\[ \text{P character} = \frac{\text{Number of p orbitals}}{\text{Total number of orbitals}} \]

For `sp^3` hybridization:
- Number of p orbitals = 3
- Total number of orbitals = 4 (as calculated before)

Substituting these values into the formula:
\[ \text{P character} = \frac{3}{4} \]

### Conclusion
Thus, the `sp^3` hybrid orbital possesses:
- S character: \( \frac{1}{4} \)
- P character: \( \frac{3}{4} \)

### Final Answer
The correct option regarding the `sp^3` hybrid orbital is that it possesses \( \frac{1}{4} \) s character.

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