Chemistry - CHEMICAL BONDING Question with Solution | TestHub

The question asks to identify the number of given substances where at least one atom is connected to 3 or more other atoms. This refers to the coordination number of an atom within the structure.

Let's analyze each substance:

1. Diamond: Each carbon atom is sp³ hybridized and tetrahedrally bonded to 4 other carbon atoms. (Coordination number = 4)

2. Fullerene (e.g., C₆₀): Each carbon atom is sp² hybridized and bonded to 3 other carbon atoms. (Coordination number = 3)

3. Graphite: Each carbon atom is sp² hybridized and bonded to 3 other carbon atoms in hexagonal layers. (Coordination number = 3)

4. Amphibole silicate: Silicate tetrahedra ($Si{O}_4^{4-}$) are linked. Silicon is bonded to 4 oxygen atoms. Some oxygen atoms bridge two silicon atoms. (Coordination number for Si = 4)

5. White phosphorus (P₄): Each phosphorus atom is bonded to 3 other phosphorus atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement. (Coordination number = 3)

6. Rhombic sulfur (S₈): Each sulfur atom is bonded to 2 other sulfur atoms in a puckered ring. (Coordination number = 2)

7. $\gamma -S{O}_3$: This is a polymeric form of $S{O}_3$. In the polymer, each sulfur atom is tetrahedrally coordinated to 4 oxygen atoms. (Coordination number for S = 4)

Substances where at least one atom is connected with $\ge 3$ atoms are:

Diamond (4), Fullerene (3), Graphite (3), Amphibole silicate (4), White phosphorus (3), $\gamma -S{O}_3$ (4).

Rhombic sulfur (2) does not meet the criteria.

Total count = 6.