What is hybedrization?

Hybridization is a concept in chemistry that describes the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals, which can then form bonds in molecules. This process allows atoms to achieve a more stable electronic configuration and explains the geometry of molecular structures. For example, in carbon, the mixing of one s orbital and three p orbitals creates four equivalent sp³ hybrid orbitals, resulting in a tetrahedral shape in compounds like methane (CH₄).