Question

A compound composed of only nitrogen and iodine is found to contain 3.55% nitrogen by mass. Its empirical and molecular formulas are the same. What is the hybridization of the nitrogen atom in this compound?

Answer 1

The nitrogen atom is sp³ hybridized

This is trigonal pyrymid shape

Step-by-step explanation:

Step 1: Data given

A compound contains only nitroen (N) and Iodine (I)

The procent of nitrogen by mass = 3.55%

Atomic mass of N = 14.0 g/mol

Atomic mass of I = 126.9 g/mol

Step 2: Calculate mass % of iodine

Mass % iodine = 100 % - 3.55%

Mass % iodine = 96.45 %

Step 3: Calculate number of moles

Let's suppose the total mass = 100 grams

Mass of N = 3.55 grams

Mass of I = 96.45 grams

Moles N = 3.55 grams / 14.0 g/mol = 0.254 moles

Moles I = 96.45 grams / 126.9 g/mol = 0.760 moles

Step 4: Calculate empirical formula

For 0.254 moles N we have 0.760 moles I this is 1:3

This means that for 1 mol N we have 3 moles I

The empirical ( and also the molecular) formula is I3N

The nitrogen atom is sp³ hybridized.

This is trigonal pyrymid shape