ybridization is used to explain not only the number of bonds formed in a compound but the equivalence of these bonds.

ybridization is used to explain not only the number of bonds formed in a compound but the equivalence of these bonds. It is based in quantum mechanics which allows for the mathematical combination of atomic orbital wave functions to produce a new equivalent set of orbitals called hybrid atomic orbitals. These orbitals differ from the component atomic orbitals in both shape and directionality. This new directionality provides for maximum overlap of bonding orbitals, resulting in extremely strong bonds. The type of hybrid orbitals used in bonding determine the bond angles and geometry. The following table shows a convenient method to relate number of VSEPR charge clouds, geometry, and hybridization.Number of charge clouds