Which type of hybrid orbitals is formed when four atomic orbitals are mixed together?

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

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that hybridization is the concept of mixing atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals suitable for the pairing of electrons to form chemical bonds.
2. Recall that the type of hybrid orbitals formed depends on the number of atomic orbitals mixed together.
3. When four atomic orbitals (one s and three p orbitals) combine, they form four equivalent hybrid orbitals called sp\^3 hybrid orbitals.
4. These sp\^3 hybrid orbitals are arranged in a tetrahedral geometry to minimize electron repulsion.
5. Therefore, mixing four atomic orbitals results in sp\^3 hybridization.