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NEET CHEMISTRYChemical Bonding and Molecular StructureMedium

Question

The hybridisations of atomic orbitals of nitrogen in NO2+\text{NO}_2^+, NO3\text{NO}_3^- and NH4+\text{NH}_4^+ are:

A

spsp, sp3sp^3 and sp2sp^2

B

sp2sp^2, sp3sp^3 and spsp

C

spsp, sp2sp^2 and sp3sp^3

D

sp2sp^2, spsp and sp3sp^3

Step-by-Step Solution

To determine the hybridisation of the central atom (N) in each species, we can calculate its steric number (number of σ\sigma bond pairs + number of lone pairs):

  • NO2+\text{NO}_2^+: Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. A positive charge means it loses 1 electron, leaving 4 valence electrons. It forms 2 σ\sigma bonds (and 2 π\pi bonds) with two oxygen atoms, leaving 0 lone pairs. Steric number = 2. Hence, its hybridisation is spsp.
  • NO3\text{NO}_3^-: Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. A negative charge gives it 1 extra electron, making 6. It forms 3 σ\sigma bonds with three oxygen atoms and has 0 lone pairs. Steric number = 3. Hence, its hybridisation is sp2sp^2.
  • NH4+\text{NH}_4^+: Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. A positive charge leaves it with 4 electrons. It forms 4 σ\sigma bonds with four hydrogen atoms and has 0 lone pairs. Steric number = 4. Hence, its hybridisation is sp3sp^3.

The correct order of hybridisations is spsp, sp2sp^2 and sp3sp^3.

Exam Context & Concepts Covered

This question aligns with the NEET CHEMISTRY syllabus, specifically targeting concepts from Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure. Mastering this topic is crucial for scoring well in the upcoming medical entrance examinations. Solving conceptually related problems will help you understand the nuances of these concepts and improve your problem-solving speed.

CHEMISTRYChemical Bonding and Molecular Structurehybridisationsatomicorbitalsnitrogentextno

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