250+ TOP MCQs on Tetravalence of Carbon: Shapes of Organic Compounds and Answers

Chemistry Written Test Questions for NEET Exam on “Tetravalence of Carbon: Shapes of Organic Compounds”.

1. What is the hybridization of CH₃CH₂CH₂CN?
a) sp, sp³
b) sp², sp³
c) sp
d) sp, sp²
Answer: a
Clarification: The complete structure of the compound mentioned is → CH₃-CH₂-CH₂-C≡N. When carbon forms only single bonds, then it is sp³ hybridized. When it forms triple bond with nitrogen, then it is sp hybridized. So CH₃CH₂CH₂CN is sp and sp³ hybridized.

2. What is the valency of carbon?
a) Pentavalent
b) Divalent
c) Trivalent
d) Tetravalent
Answer: d
Clarification: The atomic number of carbon is 6 and thus it has 4 valence electrons. So, it can either accept 4 electrons or donate 4 electrons in order to become stable. But it is difficult for carbon to neither lose 4 electrons due to its strong force of attraction with the nucleus nor gain 4 electrons since the protons in the nucleus are not sufficient to hold 8 electrons in them. Therefore, carbon forms 4 covalent bonds with other atoms, thereby, exhibiting tetravalency.

3. How many σ and π bonds are present in the following molecule?
N≡C-CH-C≡N
a) σ = 5; π = 4
b) σ = 6; π = 3
c) σ = 4; π = 2
d) σ = 3; π = 5
Answer: a
Clarification: Firstly, you have to draw the complete Lewis structure of the molecule. Make sure the valencies of all atoms are satisfied and then you have to count the total number of bonds present. In a triple bond, one of the bonds is a sigma (σ) bond and the other two are π bonds. In a double bond, one is σ bond and the other is a π bond. All the single bonds are σ bonds.

4. Arrange the following in the increasing order of electronegativity.
a) sp² < sp < sp³
b) sp³ < sp² < sp
c) sp < sp² < sp³
d) sp³ < sp < sp²
Answer: b
Clarification: Greater the s-character of the hybrid orbitals, greater is the electronegativity. Sp hybrid orbitals have 50% s-character, thereby, greater electronegativity. Sp³ has only 25% s-character and sp² hybrid orbitals have only 33% s-character, making sp the greatest electronegative orbital among them.

5. σ bonds are stronger than π bonds.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: In a σ bond, linear overlapping takes place whereas in a π bond, parallel overlapping takes place. Linear overlapping results in greater extent of overlapping which makes σ bond stronger than the π bond.