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Orbitals - 3. Hybridization
Hybridization
  • Mathematical model that describes the pattern of bonds found in a molecule (geometry)
  • Explains difference between the electron configuration of a free atom and the electron configuration when an atom is part of a molecule
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Orbitals - 3. Hybridization

Hybrid Orbitals
  • Hybrid orbitals combine orbitals within the SAME atom.
  • The number of hybrid orbitals equals the number of atoms and lone pairs bound to the atom (the steric number).
  • Hybrid orbitals are an average of the free atomic orbitals and are degenerate (equivalent).
  • Hybrid orbitals have a different shape and arrangement than their component orbitals.
They position themselves as far apart as possible: as if we blew up several balloons and tied them together.
  • Thus, through hybridization we arrive at the observed geometry of bonds in molecules.