Question

What hybrid orbitals are used by nitrogen atoms in the following species?

a) NH₃
b) NH₃
c) sp³ for both
d) sp² for both

Answer 1

The nitrogen atoms in NH3 and NH4+ are hybridized using sp3 orbitals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nitrogen atoms in NH3 and NH3 are hybridized using sp3 orbitals. In NH3, the nitrogen atom is surrounded by three bonding pairs and one lone pair of electrons, forming a tetrahedral shape. This hybridization allows for the formation of four sigma bonds with hydrogen atoms. Similarly, in NH3, each nitrogen atom is sp3 hybridized and forms three sigma bonds with hydrogen atoms and one lone pair of electrons.