What is the shape of each of the following molecules or ions, and which hybrid orbitals are used by the central atom? (a) SiO₄⁴⁻ (b) CCl₄ (c) SnCl₂ (d) HCN

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: For each molecule or ion, determine the central atom and count the total number of valence electrons. Consider any charges on the ion.
2. Step 2: Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular geometry by considering the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central atom.
3. Step 3: For each molecule or ion, identify the hybridization of the central atom by considering the number of electron domains (bonding and lone pairs) around it. Use the formula: sp, sp², sp³, etc., where the sum of superscripts equals the number of electron domains.
4. Step 4: (a) For SiO₄⁴⁻, identify the central atom (Si), count the valence electrons, and predict the shape and hybridization. (b) For CCl₄, identify the central atom (C), count the valence electrons, and predict the shape and hybridization.
5. Step 5: (c) For SnCl₂, identify the central atom (Sn), count the valence electrons, and predict the shape and hybridization. (d) For HCN, identify the central atom (C), count the valence electrons, and predict the shape and hybridization.