AIIMS 2018 Chemistry Hybridization MCQ Question

In option C, SO₂ has a bent molecular geometry with sp² hybridization due to the presence of one lone pair on the sulfur atom, while NH₂⁻ has a trigonal pyramidal shape with sp³ hybridization because of the two hydrogen atoms and one lone pair on the nitrogen atom. This distinction in hybridization despite similar bent shapes highlights the influence of lone pairs on molecular geometry.

In contrast, option A (ICl₂⁻ and XeF₂) both exhibit linear shapes with different hybridizations (sp³d and sp³d², respectively), option B (SO₂ and NO₂⁺) features different geometries (bent and linear) and hybridizations (sp² and sp respectively), and option D (CO₂ and SO₂) shows different shapes (linear and bent) and hybridizations (sp and sp²), making them unsuitable for the question's criteria.