What type of hybridization is present in the nitrogen atom of NH3?

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Q: What type of hybridization is present in the nitrogen atom of NH3?

Solution: The nitrogen atom in NH3 (ammonia) is sp3 hybridized, forming three sigma bonds with hydrogen atoms and one lone pair.

Steps: 8

Step 1: Identify the molecule in question, which is NH3 (ammonia).
Step 2: Determine the number of valence electrons for nitrogen. Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons.
Step 3: Count the number of hydrogen atoms bonded to nitrogen. There are 3 hydrogen atoms.
Step 4: Each hydrogen atom forms a single bond with nitrogen, using 3 of nitrogen's valence electrons.
Step 5: After forming 3 bonds, nitrogen has 2 valence electrons left, which form a lone pair.
Step 6: Count the total number of regions of electron density around nitrogen. There are 3 bonds and 1 lone pair, totaling 4 regions.
Step 7: Determine the hybridization based on the number of regions of electron density. 4 regions correspond to sp3 hybridization.
Step 8: Conclude that the nitrogen atom in NH3 is sp3 hybridized.