sp3 hybridization
Definition
sp3 hybridization is a type of atomic orbital hybridization that combines one s orbital and three p orbitals to form four new equivalent orbitals, each with 25% s character and 75% p character.
Analogy
Think of sp3 hybridization like mixing different colors of paint. If you mix one part blue (s orbital) with three parts red (p orbitals), you get a new color (sp3 hybridized orbital) that's a blend of the original colors but is now uniform and equal in all parts.
Related terms
Orbital: An area around an atom where there's a high probability of finding electrons.
Valence Electrons: The electrons in an atom's outer shell that are involved in chemical reactions.
Covalent Bonding: A type of chemical bond formed when two atoms share electrons.
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