The Orbital of Nitrogen atom in Ammonia

In summary, the nitrogen atom in ammonia, NH3, has four pyramid or tetrahedron-shaped orbitals according to experimental evidence. An energy-level diagram can be drawn to show the formation of these orbitals without the need for electron promotion. Two possible answers were provided, with the second one causing confusion as it suggests nitrogen has 6 electrons instead of 7. However, since nitrogen is the seventh element, it indeed has 7 protons and 7 electrons, with 3 unpaired electrons on sp3 hybrid orbitals ready to form covalent bonds with hydrogen. The first diagram is considered correct.
  • #1
adam_w
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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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  • #2
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
 

1. What is the shape of the orbital of nitrogen atom in ammonia?

The orbital of nitrogen atom in ammonia is a sp3 hybrid orbital, which has a tetrahedral shape with four lobes.

2. How many electrons are in the orbital of nitrogen atom in ammonia?

The orbital of nitrogen atom in ammonia can hold a maximum of 8 electrons. However, in ammonia, there are only 3 electrons in the orbital - two from the hydrogen atoms and one from the nitrogen atom.

3. What is the energy level of the orbital of nitrogen atom in ammonia?

The orbital of nitrogen atom in ammonia has an energy level of 2, which is the second shell or principal quantum number.

4. What is the role of the orbital of nitrogen atom in ammonia in the molecule's structure?

The orbital of nitrogen atom in ammonia plays a crucial role in forming the strong covalent bond between nitrogen and hydrogen atoms, giving ammonia its characteristic shape and chemical properties.

5. How does the orbital of nitrogen atom in ammonia differ from that of a free nitrogen atom?

The orbital of nitrogen atom in ammonia is a hybrid orbital, formed by the combination of one s orbital and three p orbitals. In contrast, a free nitrogen atom has three separate p orbitals, resulting in a different shape and energy level.

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