Final answer:
Hybridization is the mixing of atomic orbitals in an atom to produce a set of hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals have shapes and orientations that are different from the atomic orbitals. Hybridization occurs when atomic orbitals of similar energy but different shapes combine to form new orbitals that are properly oriented for bonding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hybridization is the mixing of atomic orbitals in an atom to produce a set of hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals have shapes and orientations that are different from the atomic orbitals. Hybridization occurs when atomic orbitals of similar energy but different shapes combine to form new orbitals that are properly oriented for bonding.
For example, in the molecule methane (CH4), the carbon atom undergoes sp3 hybridization. The carbon atom originally has three p orbitals and one s orbital. Through hybridization, these orbitals combine to form four sp3 hybrid orbitals, which are then used to form four sigma bonds with the four hydrogen atoms.