For which of the following molecules and ions does the central atom have sp² hybridization? (The central atom is listed first in each formula below.) A) SO₄^2- B) CO₂ C) NOBr D) SBr₂ E) N₂O

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To determine the hybridization of the central atom, we need to count the number of electron groups surrounding it (lone pairs and bonds) and use that to determine the hybridization. - A: The central atom is S and it has 4 electron groups surrounding it. The hybridization would be sp3, not sp². - B: The central atom is C and it has 3 electron groups surrounding it. The hybridization would be sp2, not sp². - C: The central atom is N and it has 3 electron groups surrounding it. This would give us sp2 hybridization for the N atom. However, there is also a single bond to Br, which would result in a p orbital being used, leading to the sp² hybridization. - D: The central atom is Br and it has 2 electron groups surrounding it. The hybridization would be sp, not sp². - E: The central atom is N and it has 3 electron groups surrounding it. The hybridization would be sp2, not sp². Additionally, there is an oxygen atom attached to the nitrogen, which would further affect the hybridization.

For Which of the Following Molecules and Ions Does the Central