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Question

Explain the formation of the ammonia molecules.


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Solution

Formation of Ammonia:

  • The molecular formula of ammonia is NH3.
  • Atomic number ofN=7, its electronic configuration is 1s22s22p3 hence valence electron=5
  • Atomic number ofH=1, its electronic configuration is 1s1hence valence electron =1
  • In nitrogen, there is one s and three p orbitals. Since the s orbital is completely occupied, hybridization will not occur there. The three p orbital has 3 electrons.
  • And according to Valence bond theory, an atomic bond between two atoms is created when incompletely filled atomic orbitals overlap. A hybrid orbital is created when the unpaired electrons are shared.
  • As a result, the three s orbitals of three hydrogen atoms will hybridize with the three p orbital of nitrogen. It will generate three N-H sigma bonds. Tetrahedral geometry and trigonal pyramidal shape both are formed.
  • 1s-orbital and 3 p-orbitals hybridize and overlap with the s orbitals of a Hydrogen atom to produce sp3 hybridization when it shares electrons with Hydrogen atoms.
  • The Hydrogen atoms are symmetrically positioned around the Nitrogen atom, which forms the base, and the two nonbonding electrons form the top, giving NH3 its trigonal pyramidal molecular shape.

Therefore, ammonia(NH3) is sp3 hybridized with trigonal pyramidal geometry.


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