Hybridization refers to the process of mixing atomic orbitals with different shapes and energies to produce an equal number (to the number of mixed orbitals). This concept can help to explain molecular geometry, bond angles and molecular structure for molecules.

VSEPR theory: Valance Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory explains that molecular geometry can change due to repulsions between the single pair electrons and the bond pair of electrons in the molecule.

You can count the number of groups around the central atom to determine if there has been hybridization.

An electron pair is also known as a group.

According to VSEPR theory, the presence of repulsions between bonded pairs electrons or lone electrons can alter molecular geometry. They are as follows.

[katex]{\rm{lone}}\,{\rm{pair}}\,{\rm{ – }}\,{\rm{lone}}\,{\rm{pair}}\,{\rm{ > }}\,{\rm{bond}}\,{\rm{pair}}\,{\rm{ – }}\,{\rm{lone}}\,{\rm{pair}}\,{\rm{ > }}\,{\rm{bond}}\,{\rm{pair}}\,{\rm{ – }}\,{\rm{bond}}\,{\rm{pair}}[/katex]