Hybridization and VSEPR

[Shannon Clark 1F]

How do we know which VSEPR structure applies to certain hybridizations? Does it follow the same pattern as when determining molecular geometry and electron geometry, or are the examples given in lecture the only structures we will have to identify for hybridizations?

[Elaine Steinberg 3H]

Yes, it will follow the same patterns as for molecular geometry! You can use the number of orbitals and lone pairs to figure out the arrangement.

[Maleeha Zaman 1K]

Hi Shannon, hybridizations are only determined by electronic geometry, or in other words, the number of regions of electron density. This means you count both lone pairs and bonds. Hope this helps!

[Ethan Wang 1L]

Hybridization and VSEPR structures are slightly different in that the former depends on electronic geometry and the latter on atomic geometry. However, if you know the electronic geometry (which isn't a whole lot different from VSEPR), you can easily find the hybridization with that. Hope this helps!