Explore Interactives
MechanismsContact
This is the s-orbital. It is the lowest in energy and closest to the nucleus.
These are the three p-orbitals. They are equal in energy to each other. The energy level of the p-orbitals is higher than that of the s-orbital. Notice, the p-orbitals are orthogonal to each other and each has a node at the nucleus.

HYBRID ORBITALS

Atomic orbitals can be hybridized to generate orbitals of equal energy. In the examples below, watch as the atomic orbitals are hybridized to hybrid orbitals. 
Click "Hybridize" to view the sp3 hybrid orbitals
Click "Hybridize" to view the sp2 hybrid orbitals
Click "Hybridize" to view the sp hybrid orbitals

GUIDED EXPLORATION

HYBRID ORBITALS

Use these modules to generate complete orbital models. 

To generate hybrid orbitals:
DRAG and DROP the atomic orbitals you want to combine onto the black dot then CLICK hybridize. Add in any remaining atomic orbitals that were not included in the hybrid. CLICK submit to check your answer. RESET the module by clicking the curved arrow in the upper right hand corner. 

Directions:
Explore the orbitals of an atom that is...

1. sp2 hybridized
2. sp hybridized

BONDING

Use the modules below to explore the bonds that are formed by the overlap of hybrid and or atomic orbitals. See if you can identify single bonds and double bonds. Also, try dragging the mouse over one dot to rotate a single atom. See if anything happens to the bonding.

Directions:
Generate the following hybridized atoms:

1.    Atom 1: sp3 and Atom 2: sp2
2.  Atom 1: sp2 and Atom 2: sp
3.    Atom 1: sp and Atom 3: sp