Question

According to valence bond theory, which orbitals on N and H overlap in the NH3 molecule? 2p on N overlaps with 2s on H 2s on N overlaps with 1s on H sp3 on N overlaps with 1s on H 2p on N overlaps with 1s on H sp3 on N overlaps with sp on H

Answer 1

Answer:

$sp^{3}$ on N overlaps with 1s on H.

Explanation:

Hybridization of central atom generally can be found by finding the hybridization number.Hybridization number is the sum of number of lone pairs and number of sigma bonds.

If hybridization number is 2 then the central atom is sp hybridized.

If it is 3 it is $sp^{2}$ hybridized.

If it is 4 it is $sp^{3}$ hybridized and so on.

Here in $NH_{3}$ molecule there are 3 sigma bonds and one lone pair(see the figure attached).

Hence hybridization number is 4 and hence it is s$p^{3}$ hybridized.

And in case of hydrogen atom the only electron of it resides in the 1s orbital.

Therefore $sp^{3}$ on N overlaps with 1s on H.