When does hybridization occur?

[Ashley Wang 4G]

Hi,

I'm confused as to when hybridization of orbitals occurs. Should we think of it as exceptions, or is it something that always occurs?

Thank you!

[Angeline 3E]

bump because I need an explanation on this too !!

[Emily Vainberg 1D]

Hybridization is always happening. When you have a molecule, the atoms are moving around which create energy and cause hybridization to occur. For any given molecule you can find hybridization orbitals. Ex. NH3 is 2sp3

[Siddiq 1E]

Same as above!! Does that mean we can determine hybridization in every molecule??

[Wendy 1E]

Hybridization doesn't always occur when forming bonds. It only occurs when an atom needs to form more bonds than it would be able to in a ground state.

[Kelsey Ash 1D]

Hybridization occurs when an atom needs to form more bonds than it would normally form in its ground state

[Amy Pham 1D]

Hybridization occurs when an atom needs to form more bonds than it would normally form in its ground state

And how would we know when an atom needs more bonds than normally found in its ground state? Is it based on bond angles?

[Sam McNeill 1E]

Wait I thought that hybridization occurred on all atoms, so it is only those that make more bonds than the number of electrons in their highest energy level?