Free Molecules Simulation

Explore the Orbital Hybridization

Step through promotion, hybridisation and bonding for nine molecules with a rotating 3D hybrid-orbital picture. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.

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Free to use
No signup
Nothing to install
Runs in your browser

Free to use

No signup

Orbital Hybridization

Setting

Open the Orbital Hybridization

Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.

See it in action

The Orbital Hybridization with sample data entered and the result showing.

Explained

What is the Orbital Hybridization?

Step through promotion, hybridisation and bonding for nine molecules with a rotating 3D hybrid-orbital picture. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.

Hybridisation explains the shapes and angles of organic molecules, the rigidity of double bonds and why graphite and diamond differ.

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Key idea 1Key idea 2Key idea 3

3 steps to your result

Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.

In the Orbital Hybridization (sp, sp², sp³), use the controls to change Molecule, Step, Your molecule: sigma bonds, Lone pairs on the centre, Pi bonds (double / triple). The simulation reacts instantly.

In the Orbital Hybridization (sp, sp², sp³), press "Play all steps" to start, reset or change what is happening.

Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Atomic s and p orbitals mix into equal hybrid orbitals.

What you get

Key idea 1

Atomic s and p orbitals mix into equal hybrid orbitals.

Key idea 2

sp is linear, sp² is trigonal planar, sp³ is tetrahedral.

Key idea 3

Lone pairs also sit in hybrid orbitals.

Experiment 1

Compare CH₄, C₂H₄ and C₂H₂.

Experiment 2

Press Play all steps for CH₄.

Experiment 3

See how the lone pairs in H₂O are drawn.

Used for

Pick one to see how it fits.

Use case

Molecules learners

Chemistry and biology students learning bonding and molecular shape, and teachers who need an interactive 3D model instead of a textbook drawing.

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How it compares

A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.

	This simulation	Textbook diagram
Interactive	Drag, tap and change settings	Fixed picture
Install	Nothing to install	Not needed
Cost	Free to use	Depends on the book

Questions people ask

How do I find the hybridisation of an atom?

Count the sigma bonds plus lone pairs: 2 is sp, 3 is sp², 4 is sp³, 5 is sp³d and 6 is sp³d².

What is the difference between sigma and pi bonds?

A sigma bond is head-on overlap along the bond axis; a pi bond is side-on overlap of p orbitals above and below.

Is the Orbital Hybridization (sp, sp², sp³) free to use?

Yes. The Orbital Hybridization (sp, sp², sp³) is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Molecules group of AZRS simulations.

Does the Orbital Hybridization (sp, sp², sp³) work on a phone or tablet?

Yes. The Orbital Hybridization (sp, sp², sp³) takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 5 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.

How do I use the Orbital Hybridization?

1. In the Orbital Hybridization (sp, sp², sp³), use the controls to change Molecule, Step, Your molecule: sigma bonds, Lone pairs on the centre, Pi bonds (double / triple). The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Orbital Hybridization (sp, sp², sp³), pick an option such as CH₄, NH₃, H₂O, C₂H₄ to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Orbital Hybridization (sp, sp², sp³), press "Play all steps" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Compare CH₄, C₂H₄ and C₂H₂. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Orbital Hybridization (sp, sp², sp³) responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Atomic s and p orbitals mix into equal hybrid orbitals.