Degenerate Orbitals

[Sasha Gladkikh 2A]

Hi,


In this example of hybridization (i.e., the hybridization of nitrogen in NH₃), nitrogen uses 4 sp³ hybridized orbitals. 3 sp³ hybridized orbitals have 1 valence electron (denoted by 1 spin-up arrow), and 1 sp³ hybridized orbital has 2 valence electrons (denoted by 2 arrows of opposite spins), which forms 1 lone electron pair.

Are all 4 sp³ hybridized orbitals considered degenerate? Or, does the electron-electron repulsion in the first sp³ hybridized orbital affect its energy?

[JennyZhu1K]

To my understanding, the three bonded orbitals are degenerate but the lone pare is in a category of itself.

[Ishant Goel 2D]

Yes, as mentioned by Dr. Lavelle in one of his lectures, the hybrid orbitals are all degenerate.

[Furkan Acar 3C]

3 bonded orbitals should be degenerate but lone pair ones aren't. I think...