Question

What are the excited states and the hybridization of `"AsO"_4^(3-)` and `"PF"_4^-`?

Answer 1

They each have an infinite number of excited states. AsO₄³⁻ is sp³ hybridized. PF₄⁻ has sp³d hybridization.

Explanation:

There are three steps to determining the hybridization of an atom:

• Draw the Lewis structure
• Use VSEPR theory to determine its shape.
• Assign the hybridization.

AsO₄³⁻

The Lewis structure is

This is an AX₄ system, so it has a tetrahedral geometry.

The steric number (lone pairs + bonds to atoms) is 4, so the hybridization is sp³.

PF₄⁻

The Lewis structure shows a P atom with a lone pair and a bond to each of the F atoms.

This is an AX₄E system, so the ion has a seesaw geometry,

The steric number is 5, so the hybridization is sp³d.