What is sp hybridization?

1 Answer
Al E.
Jul 27, 2017

A form of bonding under valence-bond theory.

Explanation:

When there is a linear bonding molecular geometry, where an s and p orbital are overlapping, two hybridized sp orbitals are "created" in the central atom, such that:

![http://opentextbc.ca](https://useruploads.socratic.org/ngi2jK14QWCi8gZwiDq8_CNX_Chem_08_03_spC.jpg)

Notice, there are also two unhybridized p orbitals, which either simply exist, carry lone electrons, or participate in π orbitals.

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