Question

Why is $N{H_3}$ more basic than $P{H_{{3^{}}}}$

Answer 1

The basic character of the molecule varies due to 2 reasons: the first one is the minor one which is electronegativity and the second one is the major one which is the size of the central atom.

Complete step by step answer:
Let’s start with discussing the factors that affect the basic properties of compounds. The first one we can see is electronegativity, as the electronegativity of the central atom increases the basic character of the molecule increases. Electronegativity is a minor reason behind the basic character, the major reason is the size of the central atom. As the size of the central atom increases the basic character of the molecule increases. The reason behind this is that as the size of the atom increases the valence electrons are loosely held and are prone to easy removal. Hence, the molecule’s basic character decreases down the group and increases across the period.
In the question we are given $N{H_3}$ and $P{H_3}$. Clearly the central atoms are $N$ and $P$. The electronegativity of the P atom is less than as compared with$N$, also the size of the$P$atom is bigger than that of N. hence the molecule $P{H_3}$ is less basic as compared with $N{H_3}$.

Note:
$N{H_3}$ is known as ammonia and is used in many industries for many purposes. Ammonia is present in air, soil, water and living tissues naturally. Ammonia is used as a refrigerant in many industries and it has a pungent and irritable smell which is not likable. But this smell helps in the identification of any leakage of ammonia.