Hybridization and Molecular Orbital Theory

Hybridization

Hybridization is the mixing of atomic orbitals (like s and p) to form new, equivalent hybrid orbitals — e.g. sp³ hybridization in methane (CH₄) gives it a tetrahedral shape.

Molecular Orbital Theory (Basic Idea)

Unlike simpler theories, Molecular Orbital Theory treats electrons in a molecule as belonging to the molecule as a whole, occupying bonding and antibonding molecular orbitals formed from the combination of atomic orbitals.