Sp3 hybridization involves the hybridization of how many atomic orbitals?

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Multiple Choice

Sp3 hybridization involves the hybridization of how many atomic orbitals?

Sp3 hybridization involves mixing four atomic orbitals. Specifically, one s orbital combines with three p orbitals from the same atom to form four new equivalent sp3 hybrid orbitals. These four hybrids point toward the corners of a tetrahedron, which explains the typical tetrahedral arrangement of four substituents with about 109.5° angles, as seen in methane. So the number of orbitals involved in creating the sp3 set is four. By comparison, sp2 uses three orbitals (one s and two p) to make three hybrids with trigonal planar geometry, and sp uses two orbitals (one s and one p) to make two hybrids for a linear arrangement. The remaining unhybridized p orbitals can participate in pi bonding when present.

Sp3 hybridization involves mixing four atomic orbitals. Specifically, one s orbital combines with three p orbitals from the same atom to form four new equivalent sp3 hybrid orbitals. These four hybrids point toward the corners of a tetrahedron, which explains the typical tetrahedral arrangement of four substituents with about 109.5° angles, as seen in methane.

So the number of orbitals involved in creating the sp3 set is four. By comparison, sp2 uses three orbitals (one s and two p) to make three hybrids with trigonal planar geometry, and sp uses two orbitals (one s and one p) to make two hybrids for a linear arrangement. The remaining unhybridized p orbitals can participate in pi bonding when present.

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