Question

What is meant by hybridisation of atomic orbitals?

Answer 1

Hybridization is defined as an intermixing of a set of atomic orbitals of slightly different energies, thereby forming a new set of orbitals having equivalent energies and shapes.

For example, one 2s-orbital hybridizes with two 2p-orbitals of carbon to form three new sp² hybrid orbitals.

These hybrid orbitals have minimum repulsion between their electron pairs and thus, are more stable. Hybridization helps indicate the geometry of the molecule.

Answer 2

Hybridisation is defined as the process of intermixing of atomic orbitals of slightly different energies to give rise to new hybridized orbitals having equivalent energy and identical shapes.