How many equivalent #sp^2# orbitals are there?

1 Answer
David Drayer
Sep 28, 2016

3

Explanation:

#sp^2# hybridization results from averaging out three orbitals 1 s orbital and 2 p orbitals.

This results in three equivalent orbitals.

An example is Aluminum #Al#. Aluminum number 13 has three valance electrons 2 s and 1 p. in the third electron shell. By elevating one electron in the s orbital to a second p orbital Aluminum has three orbitals that can be hybridized.

The result is three equivalent orbitals. This can be seen in that Aluminum forms compounds like #AlCl_3# in a planar triangular form. In the triangular planar geometry there are three equivalent bonds all at the same angle.

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