Question

Some of the properties of the two species, ${NO}_3^{-}$ and H${}_3$O${}^{+}$ are described below. Which one of them is correct?

• A. Dissimilar in hybridization for the central atom with different structures
• B. Isostructural with same hybridization for the central atom
• C. Isostructural with different hybridization for the central atom
• D. Similar in hybridiation for the central atom with different structures

Answer 1

The correct option is A Dissimilar in hybridization for the central atom with different structures

a. In ${NO}_3^{-}$,
Hybridisation $=\frac{1}{2}[5+0-0+1]=3$
Thus, in ${NO}_3^{-}$, the central atom is sp${}^2$ hybridised and it has trigonal planar geometry.

b. In $H_3{O}^{+}$,
Hybridisation $=\frac{1}{2}[6+3-1+0]=4$
Thus, O is sp${}^3$ hybridised in $H_3{O}^{+}$ and $H_3{O}^{+}$ has pyramidal geometry due to the presence of one lone pair of electron.

Thus, $N{O}_3^{-}$ and $H_3$O${}^{+}$ are dissimilar in hybridization for the central atom with different structures.