Question

How does hybridization affect shape?

Answer 1

I would say `"hybridization"` defines shape...

Explanation:

Electron pairs, bonding or non-bonding, arrange themselves around an atom such that interaction between the electron pairs, bonding and non-bonding, is MINIMIZED. And the geometries that minimize such interactions depend on the number of electron pairs...and assume the shapes of the Platonic solids:

`"2 electron pair, linear; 3 electron pairs, tetrahedral; 4 electron"`
`"pairs";" 5 electron pairs, trigonal bipyramidal;"`
`"6 electron pairs, octahedral."`

And this is the basis of `"VESPER"`..`"valence shell electron pair repulsion theory"`, with which you will get very familiar.

But NOTE that we describe molecular geometry on the basis of ATOMS, NOT ELECTRON PAIRS. Water has 2 single `O-H` bonds, and TWO LONE PAIRS....while electronic geometry is tetrahedral, molecular general is BENT: `/_H-O-H=104-5^@`..