Question

What is $sp$ hybridization?

Answer 1

Hybridization can be defined as the concept of mixing two atomic orbitals with the same energy levels to give a degenerated new type of orbitals. This intermixing of the atomic orbitals is based on quantum mechanics.

Complete answer:
The redistribution of the energy of the orbitals of individual atoms to give orbitals of equivalent energy takes place when two atomic orbitals combine to form hybrid orbital in a molecule is known as hybridization. The new orbitals formed in this process are known as hybrid orbitals. Based on the types of orbitals involved in mixing, the hybridization can be classified into different types. $sp$ hybridization is observed when one $s$ and one $p$ orbital in the same main shell of an atom mix to form two new equivalent orbitals. The new orbitals formed are known as $sp$ hybridized orbitals. $sp$ hybridization is also known as diagonal hybridization. Each $sp$ hybridized orbital has an equal amount of $s$ and $p$ character i.e. $50\%$ $s$ and $p$ character. Examples of $sp$ hybridization: All compounds of beryllium like $Be{F_2},Be{H_2},BeC{l_2}$ and all compounds of carbon containing triple bond like ${C_2}{H_2}$ . Note that the $sp$ orbitals are oriented at ${180^ \circ }$ to each other.

Note:
The chemical bonding in chemical compounds such as alkynes with triple bonds can be explained by $sp$ hybridization. The chemical bonding in ethyne consists of $sp - sp$ overlap between the two carbon atoms forming a sigma bond and two additional pi bonds formed by $p - p$ overlap. Each carbon atom also bonds to the hydrogen atom in a $\sigma {\text{ }}s - sp$ overlap at ${180^ \circ }$ angles. Hybridization helps us to explain the shape of molecules.