Sp3 hybrid orbitals

Definition

sp3 hybrid orbitals are formed by the combination of one s orbital and three p orbitals in an atom, resulting in four equivalent orbitals oriented tetrahedrally around the central atom. This hybridization occurs in atoms that form four covalent bonds, such as carbon in methane (CH4).

Related terms

Covalent Bond: A chemical bond formed when two atoms share pairs of electrons.

Tetrahedral Molecular Geometry: A molecular shape where a central atom is surrounded by four atoms at the corners of a tetrahedron.

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory: A model used to predict the geometry of molecules based on minimizing the repulsion between electron pairs around a central atom