Question

How would you identify which carbon atom is sp, sp2 or sp3?

Answer 1

The hybridization is found from the electron-pairs arrangement around the carbon atom:

Explanation:

The hybridization is found from the electron-pairs arrangement around the carbon atom.

For example,

In `CH_4` the electron-pairs arrangement is Tetrahedral , therefore, the hybridization is `color(red)(sp^3)`.

In `H_2CO` the electron-pairs arrangement is Trigonal planar , therefore, the hybridization is `color(Blue)(sp^2)`.

In `CO_2` the electron-pairs arrangement is Linear , therefore, the hybridization is `color(green)(sp)`.