3D sp³ Hybridization Simulation

sp³ orbital evidenceLive observation

Mix one s and three p orbitals to form four tetrahedral sp³ directions.

MoleculeH—H

Hybrid type100%

Bond angle−28 kJ/mol

ShapeAttractive

3D sp³ Hybridization LaboratoryPaused

ModeStudent

How do four sp³ directions make 3D shapes?

One s and three p orbitals combine into four sp³ directions. Rotate the tetrahedral frame; compare bonds with lone-pair domains.

One s + three p → four sp³ orbitals.
The ideal tetrahedral angle is 109.5°.
Lone pairs affect molecular shape and angle.

sp³ orbital controls

Sound

Molecule

s–p mixing100%

Observation lens

3D orbital surface

Drag the scene to rotate the orbitals. The gold domains represent lone pairs; the cool-colored lobes point toward bonds.

Simulation speed1×

Evidence

sp³ directions4 domains

Ideal bond angle109.5°

Lone pairs0 lone pairs

Molecular shapeTetrahedral

3D camera and focus

Drag to rotate the orbitals in 3D.

Domain comparison

Teacher demonstrations

Guided visual lecture

Chapter 1 of 80%

Ready. The first ten seconds define sp³ hybridization with a transforming 3D tetrahedron.

Language

Narrator

Playback speed1×

External recording: share this browser tab with tab audio enabled. No microphone is used.

1. What is hybridization?

Watch: One s and three p become four tetrahedral sp³ directions.

Chapters

sp³ hybridization and molecular shape

Orbital conservation: 1 s + 3 p → 4 sp³ orbitals.

Ideal electron domains: four sp³ directions point to tetrahedron corners; ideal angle ≈ 109.5°.

Bonding and lone pairs: a head-on overlap gives a σ bond; a lone pair is an electron domain without an attached atom.

Observed bond angles: CH₄ ≈ 109.5°; NH₃ ≈ 107.3°; H₂O ≈ 104.5°. Lone-pair repulsion helps explain the reductions.

This is an educational valence-bond model of electron-density directions, not solid orbitals or literal electron trajectories. The measured molecule angles should not be confused with the ideal tetrahedral domain angle.

Learning objectives

Explain how one s and three p make four sp³ orbitals.
Rotate and recognize tetrahedral 3D directions.
Distinguish electron-domain geometry from molecular shape.
Relate lone-pair count to the observed bond angle.

Suggested investigations

Rotate methane and locate four equivalent bonds.
Compare one gold lone-pair domain in NH₃ with two in H₂O.
Follow the angle arc as you rotate each molecule.
Hide bonds to inspect the four orbital domains.

Questions for exploration

Why is an ammonia molecule pyramidal instead of tetrahedral?
Why is water bent despite four electron domains?
How does increasing lone-pair count affect the measured angle?

Teacher whiteboard

Use a finger, stylus, mouse, Android device, or smart board. Ten full-size pages keep their own drawings.

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