Question

what is the hybridization of the central atom in the amide (nh₂) anion?

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the central atom

The central atom in $NH_{2}^{-}$ is nitrogen (N).

Step2: Calculate the number of electron - groups around the central atom

Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. In $NH_{2}^{-}$, it forms 2 N - H bonds and has 2 lone pairs of electrons. The number of electron - groups (bonding + non - bonding) around N is $2 + 2=4$.

Step3: Relate electron - group number to hybridization

The number of electron - groups determines the hybridization. When the number of electron - groups is 4, the hybridization is $sp^{3}$.

Answer:

$sp^{3}$