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Hybridization & Orbital Overlap
AP Chemistry · Unit 2 Bonding
Learning Objectives
Determine hybridization from # of electron domains
Predict molecular geometry from hybrid orbitals
Distinguish σ (sigma) and π (pi) bonds
Relate hybridization to bond angles
Key Concept
Hybridization = mixing atomic orbitals to form equivalent hybrid orbitals.
Rule:
# of hybrid orbitals = # of electron domains (bonds + lone pairs).
σ bonds = head-to-head overlap
π bonds = side-to-side overlap of unhybridized p orbitals
Tags
hybridization
orbitals
sigma/pi bonds
VSEPR
Hybridization Type
sp — Linear (2 domains)
sp² — Trigonal Planar (3 domains)
sp³ — Tetrahedral (4 domains)
sp³d — Trigonal Bipyramidal (5)
sp³d² — Octahedral (6 domains)
Bond Angle
180°
σ Bonds
2
Unhybridized p
2
Example
BeCl₂