Question

the image shows a chemical structure of a molecule with a central o atom bonded to three h atoms (with a positive charge on o) and a lone pair of electrons. below the structure, there are multiple - choice options for hybridization: sp, sp², sp³d, sp³d², sp³.

Explanation:

Step1: Count electron domains

The central oxygen atom has 3 bonding pairs (to 3 H atoms) and 1 lone pair, so total electron domains = $3 + 1 = 4$.

Step2: Match to hybridization

4 electron domains correspond to $sp^3$ hybridization.

Answer:

$\boldsymbol{sp^3}$