To determine the hybridisation of the central atom (N) in each species, we can calculate its steric number (number of σ bond pairs + number of lone pairs):
- NO2+: Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. A positive charge means it loses 1 electron, leaving 4 valence electrons. It forms 2 σ bonds (and 2 π bonds) with two oxygen atoms, leaving 0 lone pairs. Steric number = 2. Hence, its hybridisation is sp.
- NO3−: Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. A negative charge gives it 1 extra electron, making 6. It forms 3 σ bonds with three oxygen atoms and has 0 lone pairs. Steric number = 3. Hence, its hybridisation is sp2.
- NH4+: Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. A positive charge leaves it with 4 electrons. It forms 4 σ bonds with four hydrogen atoms and has 0 lone pairs. Steric number = 4. Hence, its hybridisation is sp3.
The correct order of hybridisations is sp, sp2 and sp3.