Which type of hybridization occurs when four atomic orbitals are mixed to form hybrid orbitals?

• A. sp^3 hybridization
• B. sp^2 hybridization
• C. sp hybridization
• D. dsp^3 hybridization

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that hybridization is the concept of mixing atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals that can explain molecular geometry and bonding properties.
2. Recall that the type of hybridization depends on the number of atomic orbitals combined: for example, mixing one s orbital and three p orbitals results in four hybrid orbitals.
3. Identify that when four atomic orbitals (one s and three p orbitals) are mixed, the resulting hybridization is called \(sp^{3}\) hybridization.
4. Recognize that \(sp^{3}\) hybridization leads to four equivalent hybrid orbitals arranged tetrahedrally, which is common in molecules like methane (CH\(_{4}\)).
5. Compare with other hybridizations: \(sp^{2}\) involves three orbitals (one s and two p), \(sp\) involves two orbitals (one s and one p), and \(dsp^{3}\) involves d orbitals as well, which is not the case here.