What are hybrid orbitals?

Hybrid orbitals are new orbitals formed from the combination of atomic orbitals when atoms bond together. This process occurs during the formation of covalent bonds, where atomic orbitals such as s, p, and sometimes d orbitals mix to create hybrid orbitals that have different shapes and energies than the original atomic orbitals.

For example, in carbon, the 2s and three 2p orbitals combine to form four equivalent sp³ hybrid orbitals, which facilitates the formation of four strong covalent bonds with other atoms in molecules like methane (CH₄). These hybrid orbitals help explain the molecular geometry and bond angles seen in various compounds, such as tetrahedral (sp³), trigonal planar (sp²), and linear (sp) arrangements.

This concept helps in understanding molecular structure and bond formation, enabling chemists to predict the behavior and reactivity of molecules based on their hybridization states.