What is hybridisation on the central atom of `SiO_(2)`.

Options

A. sp
B. `sp^(2)`
C. `sp^(3)`
D. `sp^(3)d`

Answer

To determine the hybridization of the central atom in silicon dioxide (SiO₂), we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the valency of silicon
Silicon (Si) is in group 14 of the periodic table and has a valency of 4. This means it can form four bonds.

### Step 2: Count the number of oxygen atoms
In SiO₂, there are two oxygen (O) atoms bonded to the silicon atom.

### Step 3: Use the hybridization formula
The hybridization can be calculated using the formula:
\[ \text{Hybridization} = \frac{\text{Valency of central atom} + \text{Number of surrounding atoms} - \text{Charge (if any)}}{2} \]
In this case, the charge is 0 since SiO₂ is a neutral molecule.

### Step 4: Substitute the values into the formula
- Valency of silicon = 4
- Number of oxygen atoms = 2
- Charge = 0

Substituting these values into the formula gives:
\[ \text{Hybridization} = \frac{4 + 2 - 0}{2} = \frac{6}{2} = 3 \]

### Step 5: Determine the hybridization type
A hybridization value of 3 corresponds to sp² hybridization. However, since silicon forms four bonds in SiO₂, we need to consider the bonding structure more closely. Each silicon atom forms two double bonds with two oxygen atoms, leading to sp³ hybridization.

### Conclusion
Thus, the hybridization of the central atom (silicon) in SiO₂ is **sp³**.