Question

The bond angle in $N{F}_3\left(102.3^{\circ }\right)$ is smaller than $N{H}_3(107.2{}^{\circ })$. This is because of

• A. large size of F compared to H
• B. large size of N compared to F
• C. opposite polarity of N in the two molecules
• D. small size of H compared to N

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

In $N{F}_3,N$ is less electronegative as compared to $F$ but in $N{H}_3$, it is more electronegative than $H$. And in case of same central atom, as the electronegativity of other atoms increases, bond angle decreases. Thus, bond angle in $N{F}_3$ is smaller than that in $N{H}_3$ because of the difference in the polarity of $N$ in these molecules.