(N/A) Definition: The process of mixing one $ns$ orbital and three $np$ orbitals of an atom,having comparable energy,to form four equivalent hybrid orbitals with similar shape and energy is called $sp^{3}$ hybridization. The resulting orbitals are known as $sp^{3}$ hybrid orbitals.
Characteristics:
- Each $sp^{3}$ hybrid orbital has $25\%$ $s$-character and $75\%$ $p$-character.
- The four $sp^{3}$ hybrid orbitals are directed towards the four corners of a regular tetrahedron.
- The bond angle between any two $sp^{3}$ hybrid orbitals is $109^{\circ} 28^{\prime}$ (or $109.5^{\circ}$).
- These orbitals overlap with $s$,$p$,or other hybrid orbitals of different atoms along the interatomic axis to form sigma $(\sigma)$ bonds,resulting in a tetrahedral geometry.