What does it mean to be sp-hybridized?

1 Answer
Dr. Hayek
Nov 29, 2015

See explanation.

Explanation:

For an atom to be sp-hybridized it means that its #s# and #p# orbitals will combine and form new orbitals in order for the molecular geometry around this atom to be linear and the bond angle equals #180^@#.

For example, carbon atoms in ethyne (#HC-=CH#) are sp-hybridized.

The one #s# orbital combine with one #p_x# orbital to give two #sp# orbitals and the two #p_y# and #p_z# orbitals will be used to form the two #pi# bonds.

Therefore, for a carbon atom in ethyne:

Two #sp# orbitals to form two #sigma# bonds. The #H-C# and #C-C# bonds.

The #p_y# and #p_z# to form two #pi# bonds #C-=C#.

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