IIT JAM Exam  >  IIT JAM Questions  >  Among CH4, H2O, NH3 and PH3, the molecule hav... Start Learning for Free
Among CH4, H2O, NH3 and PH3, the molecule having the smallest percent s character for the covalent bond (X–H) between the central element (X = C, O, N or P) and hydrogen is
  • a)
    CH4
  • b)
    H2O
  • c)
    NH3
  • d)
    PH3
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Among CH4, H2O, NH3 and PH3, the molecule having the smallest percent ...
To determine which molecule has the smallest percent s character for the covalent bond between the central element (X) and hydrogen, we need to consider the electronegativity and hybridization of the central atom in each molecule.

The percent s character in a covalent bond is related to the hybridization of the central atom. The greater the s character, the more the bond is directed towards the central atom.

Let's analyze each molecule:

a) CH4 (methane):
- Carbon (X) is the central atom.
- Carbon has a low electronegativity and can only form four covalent bonds.
- The hybridization of carbon in CH4 is sp3, meaning that the carbon atom has 25% s character and 75% p character in its bonds.
- Therefore, CH4 has 25% s character.

b) H2O (water):
- Oxygen (X) is the central atom.
- Oxygen has a higher electronegativity than carbon and can form two covalent bonds.
- The hybridization of oxygen in H2O is sp3, meaning that the oxygen atom has 25% s character and 75% p character in its bonds.
- Therefore, H2O also has 25% s character.

c) NH3 (ammonia):
- Nitrogen (X) is the central atom.
- Nitrogen has a higher electronegativity than carbon and can form three covalent bonds.
- The hybridization of nitrogen in NH3 is sp3, meaning that the nitrogen atom has 25% s character and 75% p character in its bonds.
- Therefore, NH3 also has 25% s character.

d) PH3 (phosphine):
- Phosphorus (X) is the central atom.
- Phosphorus has a higher electronegativity than carbon and can form three covalent bonds.
- The hybridization of phosphorus in PH3 is sp3, meaning that the phosphorus atom has 25% s character and 75% p character in its bonds.
- Therefore, PH3 also has 25% s character.

Since all the molecules have the same percent s character, we need to consider other factors to determine the molecule with the smallest percent s character. In this case, we can compare the electronegativity of the central atoms.

Out of the four central atoms (C, O, N, P), carbon has the lowest electronegativity. Therefore, the covalent bond between carbon and hydrogen in CH4 will have the smallest percent s character.

Hence, the correct answer is option D) PH3.
Free Test
Community Answer
Among CH4, H2O, NH3 and PH3, the molecule having the smallest percent ...
Cos ∆ = s / (100- s)
where ∆ is bond angle and s is %s character .
when ∆ ~ 90° then cos ∆ ~ 0 so s~ 0 .
Explore Courses for IIT JAM exam
Question Description
Among CH4, H2O, NH3 and PH3, the molecule having the smallest percent s character for the covalent bond (X–H) between the central element (X = C, O, N or P) and hydrogen isa)CH4b)H2Oc)NH3d)PH3Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for IIT JAM 2025 is part of IIT JAM preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the IIT JAM exam syllabus. Information about Among CH4, H2O, NH3 and PH3, the molecule having the smallest percent s character for the covalent bond (X–H) between the central element (X = C, O, N or P) and hydrogen isa)CH4b)H2Oc)NH3d)PH3Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for IIT JAM 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Among CH4, H2O, NH3 and PH3, the molecule having the smallest percent s character for the covalent bond (X–H) between the central element (X = C, O, N or P) and hydrogen isa)CH4b)H2Oc)NH3d)PH3Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Among CH4, H2O, NH3 and PH3, the molecule having the smallest percent s character for the covalent bond (X–H) between the central element (X = C, O, N or P) and hydrogen isa)CH4b)H2Oc)NH3d)PH3Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for IIT JAM. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for IIT JAM Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Among CH4, H2O, NH3 and PH3, the molecule having the smallest percent s character for the covalent bond (X–H) between the central element (X = C, O, N or P) and hydrogen isa)CH4b)H2Oc)NH3d)PH3Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Among CH4, H2O, NH3 and PH3, the molecule having the smallest percent s character for the covalent bond (X–H) between the central element (X = C, O, N or P) and hydrogen isa)CH4b)H2Oc)NH3d)PH3Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Among CH4, H2O, NH3 and PH3, the molecule having the smallest percent s character for the covalent bond (X–H) between the central element (X = C, O, N or P) and hydrogen isa)CH4b)H2Oc)NH3d)PH3Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Among CH4, H2O, NH3 and PH3, the molecule having the smallest percent s character for the covalent bond (X–H) between the central element (X = C, O, N or P) and hydrogen isa)CH4b)H2Oc)NH3d)PH3Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Among CH4, H2O, NH3 and PH3, the molecule having the smallest percent s character for the covalent bond (X–H) between the central element (X = C, O, N or P) and hydrogen isa)CH4b)H2Oc)NH3d)PH3Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice IIT JAM tests.
Explore Courses for IIT JAM exam

Top Courses for IIT JAM

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev