Question

what is the hybridization of the central atom in the nitrogen trifluoride (nf₃) molecule?

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the number of electron - groups around the central atom

Nitrogen in NF₃ has 3 bonding pairs (with 3 F atoms) and 1 lone pair. So, the total number of electron - groups is 4.

Step2: Relate the number of electron - groups to hybridization

The number of electron - groups determines the hybridization. When the number of electron - groups is 4, the hybridization is sp³.

Answer:

sp³