Identify the hybridization of the central atom in NH3.

Identify the hybridization of the central atom in NH3.

Step 1: Identify the central atom in NH3, which is nitrogen (N).
Step 2: Count the number of bonds nitrogen forms in NH3. Nitrogen forms three bonds with three hydrogen (H) atoms.
Step 3: Determine if there are any lone pairs on the nitrogen atom. In NH3, nitrogen has one lone pair.
Step 4: Add the number of bonds (3) to the number of lone pairs (1). This gives a total of 4 regions of electron density.
Step 5: Use the total number of regions of electron density to determine hybridization. 4 regions correspond to sp3 hybridization.

Hybridization – The concept of hybridization involves the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals that can accommodate bonding and lone pairs.
Molecular Geometry – Understanding how the arrangement of bonds and lone pairs around a central atom determines the molecular shape.