Hybridization is a concept in chemistry that explains the bonding of atoms by the combination of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals have different shapes and energy levels compared to the original atomic orbitals, allowing atoms to form more stable and geometrically appropriate bonds in molecules. For instance, carbon typically forms four sp^3 hybrid orbitals when bonded to four other atoms, creating a tetrahedral shape as seen in methane (CH4). Hybridization, therefore, is key in understanding the molecular structure, bonding properties, and reactivity of different compounds, providing a bridge between atomic structure and molecular geometry.
