sp3 orbitals

[Alexandra Salata 2L]

So I know that sp3 hybridization corresponds to 4 regions of electron density. I just don't really understand how 2sp3 3sp3 works? How do you know which region to give what numbers to?

[Chem_Mod]

Hi,

Could you be more specific? What are you referring to when you say "2sp3 3sp3"?

[Joyce Pang 2H]

The number in front of sp3 would refer to the energy level of atom. Like in NH3, N has a hybridized 2sp3 orbital and the number in front is 2 because the energy level of nitrogen is 2. The same would apply for 3sp3.

[Binyu You]

I think the number before just mean the energy level of the atom, which is when C, for example, has 2s2sp2 as its subshell. The two just represents the energy level.

[Mackenzie Stockton 2H]

The number in front is the energy level (n), or the principle quantum number. This specifies the different shells that the valence electrons are in.

[Ethan Goode 2H]

When it is like that it is likely referring to the specific bond between an atom of that hybridization.

[Sydney Jensen 3L]

The number in front of the hybridization is referring to the energy level, not with the hybridization, as that is the exponent.