# Error in tutorial when discussing orbital hybridization

Discussion in 'Feedback and Suggestions' started by PedroDaGr8, Dec 30, 2010.

1. ### PedroDaGr8 Thread Starter New Member

Aug 26, 2009
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The tutorial found on Valence and crystal structure

You say that the hybridization for tetrahedral is $s^2p^2$

This is incorrect the hybridization is $sp^3$

Additionally, the following image is incorrect:

Though it does get the final hybridization right, it is missing the $P_z$ orbital and the s orbital is incorrect. There is no dimensionallity to s. It is always a sphere centered at the origin.

For example the image below shows the 1s and 2s orbitals:

A more proper hybridization image (albeit it leaves out the antibonding orbirals but those are not really relevant here):

2. ### jpanhalt AAC Fanatic!

Jan 18, 2008
5,699
910
I believe you are correct so far as you go into the bonding orbitals of atoms. Frankly, I was surprised to see the s orbitals shown that way. My guess is that it resulted from a typo. Sz was probably intended to be pz, and the s just got lost. John

3. ### PedroDaGr8 Thread Starter New Member

Aug 26, 2009
4
0
Hmm, guess they don't care.