Question

What does it mean to be sp-hybridized?

Answer 1

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`.