Hybridization

Definition

Hybridization is a concept in molecular chemistry that describes the combination of atomic orbitals within an atom to form new hybrid orbitals. These new orbitals have different shapes, energies, and orientations than the original atomic orbitals.

Related terms

Orbital: An orbital is a region around an atom where there's high probability to find an electron.

sp3 Hybridization: This occurs when one s orbital mixes with three p orbitals forming four equivalent sp3 hybridized orbitals used in methane formation.

Sigma Bonds (σ): These are covalent bonds formed from direct overlap between atomic orbitals leading to electron sharing on the same axis as the bond.