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SSC CGL
mediumQ. No. 14866

What is the hybridisation of each carbon atom in benzene?

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Each carbon atom in benzene is sp² hybridised. Benzene has the molecular formula C₆H₆ and forms a planar hexagonal ring. Every carbon uses three sp² hybrid orbitals to make three sigma bonds: two with neighbouring carbon atoms and one with hydrogen. One unhybridised p orbital remains on each carbon. This delocalisation explains why all carbon–carbon bonds in benzene have the same intermediate length. An sp² carbon has trigonal planar geometry with bond angles close to 120°. Concept depth: In benzene, every carbon is bonded to two neighbouring carbon atoms and one hydrogen atom through three sigma bonds. One unhybridised p orbital remains perpendicular to the ring on each carbon.

Asp
Bsp²
Csp³
Dsp³d
Correct Answer: sp²Your Answer: B

Explanation

Every benzene carbon forms three sigma bonds and keeps one unhybridised p orbital for the delocalised pi system. This matches sp² hybridisation and trigonal planar geometry. sp gives two hybrid orbitals, sp³ gives tetrahedral geometry, and sp³d is associated with five electron domains, so those options do not fit benzene. Option analysis: sp hybridisation would give linear geometry and two hybrid orbitals, which does not match three sigma bonds around each benzene carbon. sp³d describes five electron domains and is irrelevant for carbon in benzene. Only sp² produces trigonal planar carbon with one p orbital available for the pi system.

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FAQ

SSC CGL Chemistry FAQs

Common questions and clear answers for this topic.

What is the hybridisation of carbon in benzene?

Each carbon atom in benzene is sp² hybridised.

Why is benzene planar?

Its sp²-hybridised carbons have trigonal planar geometry.

How many sigma bonds does each benzene carbon form?

Three sigma bonds: two C-C and one C-H.

How many pi electrons are delocalised in benzene?

Six pi electrons.

How many chemistry questions typically appear in the SSC CGL exam?

Chemistry usually contributes a handful of questions within the General Awareness section, generally covering basic concepts rather than calculation-heavy problems.

Which chemistry topics are most important for SSC CGL preparation?

Atomic structure, periodic table trends, acids-bases-salts, metals and non-metals, and carbon compounds are the areas that appear most consistently across past papers.