Q. The structure of orthophosphoric acid is

A) [image:7_image2.emf]
B) [image:7_image3.emf]
C) [image:7_image4.emf]
D) [image:7_image5.emf]
Explanation

(a)
Orthophosphoric acid(H_{3}PO_{4}) is a tribasic acid. Hence, its structure can be represented as $O \longleftarrow P(OH)_{3}$.
[image:7_image21.emf]
($lp + \sigma bp = 1 + 3 = 4)$
Hence hybridization of p in H_{3}PO_{4} is sp^{3} and thus it is tetrahedral in shape.

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.