Hybridization at a glance

Hybridization 

Hybridization is the mixing of atomic orbitals (s and p) to form new orbitals called hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals  determine the shape and bonding of molecules. 

Types of Hybridization

1. sp Hybridization

Formation:   It is formed when one s-orbital mixes with

1 s orbital + 1 p orbital → 2 sp orbitals

s + p ▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎>2sp

i. Shape: It is Linear in shape 

ii. Bond angle:  it has a bond angle of 180°

It occurs mainly in the alkynes with triple bond. 

Example :Ethyne (C₂H₂)

Diagram:

H — C ≡ C — H

      180°

(straight line)

2. sp² Hybridization

Formation: It is formed when one s orbital mixes with two(2) p orbitals to give 3 hybrid orbitals 

 1 s orbital + 2 p orbitals → 3 sp² orbitals

s + 2p ▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎>3sp2

i. Shape:  It has a Trigonal planar shape 

ii. Bond angle: It has a bond angle  of 120°

It is common with the alkenes where double bond is found

Example: Ethene (C₂H₄)

Diagram:

        H

         |

H — C = C — H

         |

        H

(Flat triangular shape, 120°)

3. sp³ Hybridization

• Formation: It is formed when one (1) s-orbital mixes with three (3)  p-orbitals to form a set of four (4) hybrid orbitals 
• 1 s orbital + 3 p orbitals → 4 sp³ orbitals

          s + 3p ▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎> 4sp3

i. Shape:  The bond is Tetrahedral in shape 

ii. Bond angle: It has a bond angle of  109.5°

This type of hybridization is common with the alkanes with single bonds 

Example: Methane (CH₄)

Diagram:

         H

          |

 H — C — H

         / 

      H   

(3D shape, like a pyramid)

Quick Comparison

Type	Shape	Angle	Example
sp	Linear	180°	C₂H₂
sp²	Trigonal      planar	120°	C₂H₄
sp³	Tetrahedral	109.5°	CH₄

Objective Questions 

Here are 10 objective (multiple-choice) questions on hybridization suitable for SS1–SS3 students:

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Hybridization Objective Questions

1. Hybridization is the process of: A. Breaking atomic orbitals
   B. Mixing atomic orbitals to form new orbitals
   C. Formation of ions
   D. Transfer of electrons

2. Which type of hybridization involves one s and one p orbital?
   A. sp²
   B. sp³
   C. sp
   D. sp³d

3. The shape of an sp³ hybridized molecule is:
   A. Linear
   B. Trigonal planar
   C. Tetrahedral
   D. Bent

4. How many hybrid orbitals are formed in sp² hybridization?
   A. 2
   B. 3
   C. 4
   D. 5

5. Which molecule is sp hybridized?
   A. CH₄
   B. NH₃
   C. CO₂
   D. H₂O

6. The bond angle in sp² hybridization is approximately:
   A. 180°
   B. 120°
   C. 109.5°
   D. 90°

7. Which of the following has sp³ hybridization?
   A. C₂H₂
   B. CO₂
   C. CH₄
   D. BF₃

8. In sp hybridization, the geometry of the molecule is:
   A. Tetrahedral
   B. Trigonal planar
   C. Linear
   D. Pyramidal

9. Which hybridization type is associated with a tetrahedral shape?
   A. sp
   B. sp²
   C. sp³
   D. sp³d

10. In sp³ hybridization, how many p orbitals are involved?
    A. 1
    B. 2
    C. 3
    D. 4

Theory  Questions

1. What is hybridization?

2. State the shape and bond angle of:

• (a) sp

• (b) sp²

• (c) sp³

3. Which hybridization is found in methane (CH₄)?

4. What shape is formed in sp² hybridization?

5. Give one example of a molecule with sp hybridization.