Hybridization
Hybridization mixes atomic orbitals on one atom to make new, equal orbitals that match the observed shape. One s plus three p gives four sp³; one s plus two p gives three sp²; one s plus one p gives two sp.
Last updated
Analogy
Mixing paint colours: blend a few pure colours to get new identical shades.
Example
CH₄: 4 groups, sp³, 109.5°C₂H₄: 3 groups, sp², 120°C₂H₂: 2 groups, sp, 180°
In practice
Carbon in methane is sp³, in ethene sp² and in ethyne sp, which explains why their shapes are tetrahedral, planar and linear.
Practice
Flashcards
- What hybridization has a 120° bond angle?sp² (trigonal planar).
- What is a sigma bond?A bond formed by head-on overlap of orbitals along the line between the nuclei.
Questions people ask
How do I find the hybridization of an atom?
Count its electron groups: bonded atoms plus lone pairs. Two groups means sp, three means sp², four means sp³. Double and triple bonds count as one group each. This count also matches the VSEPR geometry, so the two ideas support each other.
What is the difference between a sigma and a pi bond?
A sigma bond forms by head-on overlap of orbitals along the line between the nuclei. A pi bond forms by sideways overlap of p orbitals above and below that line. A double bond is one sigma plus one pi, and a triple bond is one sigma plus two pi.