Final answer:
In the context of steric number 1, typically for diatomic molecules, there is no need for hybridization since they contain only a single bond between atoms and have a linear geometry. The concept of hybridization arises in more complex molecules where atoms exhibit sp, sp², or sp³ hybridizations to explain the geometry and bonding.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of steric number is linked to the hybridization of atoms in a molecule. For steric number 1, which typically refers to a diatomic molecule with a single bond between two atoms, the question of hybridization is not generally applicable since there is only one bond and no need for hybridization of orbitals.
In molecules with diatomic or linear geometries, the atoms involved might indeed be hybridized if they form part of a larger molecule with more complex bonding. For example, in a molecule like acetylene (C₂H₂), the carbon atoms involved in the triple bond are sp hybridized. This leads to a linear arrangement of the orbitals and the molecule itself.
However, when discussing a diatomic molecule on its own, such as O₂ or N₂, there is no hybridization involved. The electron domain geometry influences the need for hybridization and because these diatomic molecules have an electron domain geometry that is inherently linear without the need for hybridization, the concept does not apply as it does for atoms in larger molecules with more complex bonding arrangements.