The relationship of orbital hybridization between quantum mechanics

In summary, the use of hybrid orbitals in molecular bonding is a result of constructing approximate many particle wavefunctions for atoms in a molecule. These hybrid orbitals are not solutions to the time independent effective one particle Schrödinger equation for isolated atoms, but are used to better describe directed bonds in the valence bond formalism. This approach is necessary due to the difficulty in obtaining exact solutions for the many atom Schrödinger equation, and thus the hybrid orbitals serve as an "ansatz" or trial solution.
  • #1
soulhunter
7
0
is the hybrid orbital the solution of Schrodinger equation ?
Or why we have to make orbital hybridization?
 
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  • #3
You must be very careful here to what Schrödinger equation you are referring. Hybrid orbitals aren't solutions of the time independent effective one particle Schrödinger equation for electrons in an isolated atom. But note that we use them to construct approximate many particle wavefunctions not for isolated atoms but for atoms in a molecule. It turns out that, considering as an example carbon, an atomic wavefunction constructed from one s and three p orbitals -each occupied with one electron- is completely identical to a wavefunction constructed from four singly occupied sp3 orbitals. However, the latter representation is more apt to describe directed bonds in the valence bond formalism.
 
  • #4
Is this means that the hybrid orbitals is an solution of many atoms schrodinger equation,like we can not get the exact solution so we, depending on the symmetric of molecular, hybridize the s orbital and p orbitals of isolated atom to form the wave function of many atom solution? Or we just solution the equation by computer and found that solution shows like hybridized orbital?
 
  • #5
Yes, it is an "ansatz" or trial wavefunction.
 
  • #6
DrDu said:
Yes, it is an "ansatz" or trial wavefunction.
Thank you Drdu!
 

What is orbital hybridization?

Orbital hybridization is a concept in quantum mechanics that describes the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals have different shapes and energies than the original atomic orbitals.

Why is orbital hybridization important?

Orbital hybridization is important because it helps to explain the molecular structure and bonding in molecules. It allows us to understand the shape, polarity, and reactivity of molecules, which is essential in fields such as chemistry and biochemistry.

How does orbital hybridization relate to quantum mechanics?

Orbital hybridization is a concept that was developed within the framework of quantum mechanics. It is based on the principles of wave-particle duality and the quantization of energy levels in atoms. Orbital hybridization provides a quantum mechanical explanation for the observed properties of molecules.

What are the different types of orbital hybridization?

There are three main types of orbital hybridization: sp, sp2, and sp3. These correspond to the hybridization of one, two, and three atomic orbitals, respectively. Each type of hybridization results in different shapes and orientations of the hybrid orbitals.

Can orbital hybridization be observed experimentally?

While hybrid orbitals cannot be directly observed, their effects can be observed through methods such as X-ray crystallography and spectroscopy. These techniques allow us to determine the molecular structure and bond angles, which are a result of orbital hybridization.

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