hybridization

Hybridization is a concept in chemistry that describes how atoms combine their atomic orbitals to create new, hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals are arrangements that allow atoms to bond more effectively, forming molecules with specific shapes and properties. Imagine combining different types of angles or shapes to create a new, optimized structure—this is similar to how hybrid orbitals are formed. This process helps explain how molecules are arranged in three-dimensional space, influencing their stability and reactivity. Overall, hybridization is a way to understand and predict the shapes and bonding behavior of molecules.