sp Hybrid Orbitals

sp hybrid orbitals are formed when one 2s orbital and one 2p orbital of carbon mix to form two new orbitals of equal energy. These new orbitals are oriented at 180 degrees from each other and are linear in shape.

• What are sp hybrid orbitals?
• How are sp hybrid orbitals formed?
• What is the shape of an sp hybrid orbital?
• What are the properties of sp hybrid orbitals?

Here are the answers to the questions above:

• Sp hybrid orbitals are formed when one 2s orbital and one 2p orbital of carbon mix to form two new orbitals of equal energy.
• The mixing of these orbitals occurs because the 2s orbital and the 2p orbital have similar energies.
• The shape of an sp hybrid orbital is linear. This means that the orbital is oriented in a straight line.
• The properties of sp hybrid orbitals include:
  * They are of higher energy than 2s orbitals but lower energy than 2p orbitals.
  * They are directed at 180 degrees from each other.
  * They are linear in shape.