Answer to Question #204781 in General Chemistry for Rajay Myrie

Question

PH3 has the same geometry as NH3, however, the bond angle in PH3 is less than that in NH3. Provide an explanation for this observation. 

Answer 1

The bond angle in NH3​ is larger than, in PH3​ because the P−H bonds are longer and the lower electronegativity of P permits electron-density to be displaced towards hydrogen to a greater extent than in the case of NH3.