Solved Problem 3 Predict the hybridization of the nitrogen atom in ammonia,NH3.Draw a picture of the three- dimensional structure of ammonia,and predict the bond angles. Solution The hybridization depends on the number of sigma bonds plus lone pairs.A Lewis structure provides this information. H H H:N: or H-N: H lone pair In this structure,there are three sigma bonds and one pair of nonbonding electrons.Four hybrid orbitals are required,implying sp3 hybridization and tetrahedral geometry around the nitrogen atom,with bond angles HN-H slightly smaller than 109.5. H 107.3° 2013 Pearson Education,Inc. Chapter 2 21© 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. Predict the hybridization of the nitrogen atom in ammonia, NH3 . Draw a picture of the three￾dimensional structure of ammonia, and predict the bond angles. The hybridization depends on the number of sigma bonds plus lone pairs. A Lewis structure provides this information. In this structure, there are three sigma bonds and one pair of nonbonding electrons. Four hybrid orbitals are required, implying sp3 hybridization and tetrahedral geometry around the nitrogen atom, with bond angles slightly smaller than 109.5°. Solved Problem 3 Solution Chapter 2 21