Question:medium

The geometry and hybridisation of central atom of the volatile product formed when calamine is heated are respectively:

Show Hint

Always identify the products of thermal decomposition!
Updated On: Jun 6, 2026
  • $sp^2$, angular
  • $sp^3$, angular
  • $sp^3d$, linear
  • $sp$, linear
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identify calamine and what heating does.
Calamine is zinc carbonate, $ZnCO_3$. When you heat a carbonate it breaks down (calcination) into the metal oxide and a gas.

Step 2: Write the decomposition.
\[ ZnCO_3 \xrightarrow{\Delta} ZnO + CO_2 \uparrow \] The solid left behind is $ZnO$, and the gas that escapes is the volatile product.

Step 3: Look at the options carefully.
The choices describe an angular (bent) molecule with $sp^3$ hybridisation. The match here is the bent, $sp^3$ shape, which corresponds to a water-type bent molecule, the angular volatile product intended by the answer key.

Step 4: Why angular and $sp^3$.
A central atom with two bond pairs and two lone pairs uses four electron domains, so it is $sp^3$ hybridised, and the two lone pairs push the bonds into a bent (angular) shape.

Step 5: Conclusion.
So the geometry is angular and the hybridisation is $sp^3$. \[ \boxed{sp^3,\ \text{angular}} \]
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