Question

Significance of cephalometry in orthodontics

Answer 1

Hybridization happens when atomic orbitals mix to form new atomic orbitals. The new orbitals have the same total electron capacity as the old ones. The properties and energies of the new, hybridized orbitals are an 'average' of the original unhybridized orbitals.
The concept of hybridization was introduced because it was the best explanation for the fact that all of the C - H bonds in molecules like methane were identical.

Example

Carbon atoms naturally have electron configuration 1s2 2s2 2p2.
The four outermost electrons, i.e. those in the 2s and 2p sublevels are available to form chemical bonds with other atoms.
The 2s orbital is capable of holding up to two electrons, and there are three 2p orbitals, each capable of holding up to two electrons, which means the 2p orbitals can hold up to six electrons.
Individually, these electron orbitals look something like this. (Each is centered on carbon's nucleus and the p orbitals make angles of 90° with one another).