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The hybridisation of the nitrogen atom in the NO₃⁻ ion is:
Asp
Bsp3
Csp2
Dsp3d
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. sp2
1. Nitrogen is the central atom, surrounded by three oxygen atoms.
2. Count regions of electron density around it: three bonded oxygens and no lone pair on nitrogen.
3. Three regions require three hybrid orbitals, formed from one s and two p orbitals.
4. That is sp² hybridisation, giving the trigonal planar shape the nitrate ion actually has.
5. Assigning sp³ was the common error and would predict a pyramidal ion, which nitrate is not.
_Source: NECTA ACSEE 2023 Chemistry 132/1, Question 3: Chemical Bonding_
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