Which of the following best represents an sp³ hybridized atomic orbital containing the lone pair of electrons of ammonia, NH₃? A)1 B)2 C)3

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An sp³ hybridized atomic orbital has a trigonal planar geometry with one lone pair of electrons. The lone pair of electrons of ammonia is located on the nitrogen atom. The correct hybridization state of nitrogen in ammonia is sp3, which would give four hybrid orbitals. However, one of these hybrid orbitals contains the lone pair of electrons and the other three hybrid orbitals are used for bonding with the hydrogen atoms. Therefore, the hybridized atomic orbital containing the lone pair of electrons should have one lobe larger than the other. The only option that fits this description is option C, which has one large lobe and two smaller lobes.

Which of the Following Best Represents an Sp3 Hybridized Atomic

Which of the Following Best Represents an Sp³ Hybridized Atomic