Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals offers a model for understanding bonding in molecules. Hybrid orbitals involving s and p atomic orbitals are explained in detail and three-dimensional models illustrate each type of hybrid set. Subsequently, hybrid orbitals involving the participation of d orbitals are described. The program uses animation to simulate how bonds are formed between hybrid orbitals on the central atom and the orbitals on the terminal atoms. Simple molecules are formed on the screen, and the user may choose which bonds to examine more thoroughly. This module includes discussion of sigma, pi, and delocalized pi bonds. Perhaps the most exciting side path to explore is a graphic depiction of the combination of s and p wavefunctions to make sp hybridized orbitals.

Hybridization Quiz allows students to test concepts learned in Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals. The following questions are represented: What kind of hybridization will accommodate a particular shape? If an atom is involved in a single pi bond, what is the hybridization of the remaining s and p orbitals? What is the hybridization on the central atom in a molecule? More advanced questions require the user to determine the hybridization of atoms in a molecule whose skeletal structure is given. After the student chooses the correct hybridization, the correct type and spatial orientation of a hybridized orbital must be selected for each bond in the molecule. This becomes challenging when double and triple bonds are present. The final questions ask the user to consider molecules in which d orbitals participate in hybridization.

http://www.cem.msu.edu/~gencem/hybrd/index.html