Question

What do you understand by hybridization? Explain the different types of hybridizations involving

‘s’ and ‘p’ orbitals.​

Answer 1

Explanation:

Redistribution of the energy of orbitals of individual atoms to give orbitals of equivalent energy happens when two atomic orbitals combine to form hybrid orbital in a molecule. This process is called hybridization.

Based on the types of orbitals involved in mixing, the hybridization can be classified as sp3, sp2, sp, sp3d, sp3d2, sp3d3.

sp hybridization is observed when one s and one p orbital in the same main shell of an atom mix to form two new equivalent orbitals. The new orbitals formed are called sp hybridized orbitals.

sp2 hybridization is observed when one s and two p orbitals of the same shell of an atom mix to form 3 equivalent orbital. The new orbitals formed are called sp2 hybrid orbitals.

When one ‘s’ orbital and 3 ‘p’ orbitals belonging to the same shell of an atom mix together to form four new equivalent orbital, the type of hybridization is called a tetrahedral hybridization or sp3.