Hybrid Orbitals

Hybrid orbitals are a concept in chemistry where atomic orbitals—regions around an atom’s nucleus where electrons are likely to be found—combine to form new, hybridized orbitals. This process helps explain the shape and bonding behavior of molecules. For example, in carbon atoms, s and p orbitals merge to create hybrid orbitals (like sp, sp², sp³) that enable the formation of molecules with specific geometries, such as methane (CH₄). Hybrid orbitals provide a more accurate representation of how atoms bond and arrange themselves in molecules, influencing their shape and chemical properties.