Vsepr & Hybridisation

Question

The approximate bond angle in NH3 is:

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Electronic Configuration**: Nitrogen ($Z=7$) has valence configuration $2s^2 2p^3$.
2. **Hybridisation**: The central $N$ atom is $sp^3$ hybridised (3 bond pairs + 1 lone pair).
3. **Ideal Geometry**: $sp^3$ hybridisation corresponds to a tetrahedral geometry with an ideal bond angle of $109.5^\circ$.
4. **VSEPR Theory**: According to VSEPR, **lone pair-bond pair (lp-bp) repulsion** is stronger than bond pair-bond pair (bp-bp) repulsion.
5. **Effect**: The presence of one lone pair compresses the $H-N-H$ bond angles from $109.5^\circ$ down to approximately **$107^\circ$**.
6. **Shape**: The molecular geometry is **trigonal pyramidal**.

Rank Guru

Vsepr & Hybridisation

Select the correct option:

Solution

🔒 Solution Hidden from View

More vsepr & hybridisation Practice Questions

Which statement about hydrogen bonding is correct?

Which statement best explains why PF5 is stable while NF5 is not?

Formal charge on oxygen in the nitrate ion (NO3−) using a structure with one double bond and two sin...

Which set lists increasing bond length for the carbon–oxygen bonds?

Which pair correctly matches molecule with geometry?

About This Question

Solution