Question

Hybridisation of one s and two p orbitals results in the formation of:

• A. three new orbitals at 90° to each other
• B. three new orbitals at 120° to each other
• C. two new orbitals at 180° to each other
• D. two new orbitals at 90° to each other

Answer 1

The correct option is B three new orbitals at 120° to each other

Hybridisation is a phenomenon of intermixing of orbitals of comparable energy, to form an equal number of new orbitals of similar shape, size and energy.

When one s orbital combines with two p orbitals, three $s{p}^2$ hybrid orbitals are formed. The three $s{p}^2$ hybrid orbitals exist at a 120° angle to each other.