The Orbital of Nitrogen atom in Ammonia

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SUMMARY

The nitrogen atom in ammonia (NH3) exhibits four orbitals arranged in a tetrahedral geometry, as established by experimental evidence. The correct energy-level diagram illustrates nitrogen's electron configuration, which includes 7 protons and 7 electrons, with 2 electrons in the 1s orbital and 5 in the second shell, forming sp3 hybrid orbitals. The confusion arose from differing interpretations of nitrogen's electron count, with the teacher mistakenly stating there are 6 electrons. The first diagram provided in the discussion accurately represents the orbital structure of nitrogen in ammonia.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic structure and electron configuration
  • Familiarity with hybridization concepts, specifically sp3 hybridization
  • Knowledge of molecular geometry, particularly tetrahedral shapes
  • Ability to interpret energy-level diagrams
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of hybridization in molecular chemistry
  • Learn to draw and interpret energy-level diagrams for various elements
  • Research the molecular geometry of other compounds with sp3 hybridization
  • Explore the concept of covalent bonding and its relation to electron pairing
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and anyone interested in molecular structure and bonding in compounds like ammonia.

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Homework Statement


Experimental evidence suggests that the nitrogen atom in ammonia, NH3 , has four orbitals in the shape of a pyramid or tetrahedron. Draw an energy-level diagram to show the formation of these orbitals. (Hint: No electron promotion is required.)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


First answer: http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae277/clubangel777/Science Homework/SCH4U-BQuestion6ab.jpg

Second answer: http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae277/clubangel777/Science Homework/HybridAmmoniaNitrogen.jpg

My sister came up with the first answer, but the teacher emailed her the second answer. There is confusion because she thinks Nitrogen should have 7 Electrons and the teacher said there are 6 Electrons.
 
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Nitrogen is the seventh element, it has 7 protons in the nucleus and seven electrons in its electron shells; two of them on 1s orbitals and five on the second shell, on sp3 hybrids. Three of them are unpaired and ready to make covalent bonds with hydrogen. The first picture is correct.

ehild
 

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