The Geometry of Hybrid Orbitals

Question 1

linear

shape described
hybridization state
angles

Answer 1

when two electron groups are attached to the middle atom on the horizontal plane

sp hybridization

180 degrees

two axial groups

Question 2

trigonal planar

Answer 2

when three axial electrons groups, slightly bent, are attached to the middle atom

sp2 hybridization

120 degrees

Question 3

tetrahedral

Answer 3

when four electrons groups are attached to the center atom

sp3 hybridization

109.5 degrees

corners hit a triangular based pyramid

Question 4

trigonal bipyramidal

Answer 4

when five electrons groups are attached to the middle atom

sp3d hybridized

axial orbitals are 120 degrees apart, the vertical electron groups are 90 degrees away from the axial electron groups

hit corners of two triangular base pyramids that are connected by their bases

Question 5

octahedral

shape
hybridization state
angles

Answer 5

six electron groups attached to a middle atom

sp3d2 hybridized

all-electron groups are 90 degrees apart

hit the corners of two rectangular base pyramids connected by the base

Question 6

trigonal pyramidal

Answer 6

three electron groups attached to a central atom

hybridization state is sp2

slightly bent because there is a lone pair repelling the bonding pairs so the repulsion causes the bonding line to move away from the electron pair.