Which type of hybrid orbitals are formed when one s orbital and three p orbitals combine?

• A. sp2
• B. sp3
• C. sp4
• D. sp

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that hybridization involves the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals that are degenerate (have the same energy) and oriented in specific geometries.
2. Identify the orbitals involved: one s orbital and three p orbitals are combining. This means a total of 4 atomic orbitals are mixing.
3. The number of hybrid orbitals formed equals the number of atomic orbitals combined. So, combining 1 s and 3 p orbitals results in 4 hybrid orbitals.
4. The notation for hybrid orbitals is based on the number of s and p orbitals combined. Here, 1 s and 3 p orbitals combine to form sp3 hybrid orbitals.
5. Therefore, the type of hybrid orbitals formed when one s and three p orbitals combine is called sp3 hybridization.