QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
According to the VSEPR model, the predicted molecular geometry of ammonia, NH₃, is:
linear
trigonal planar
tetrahedral
trigonal pyramidal
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step, following the specified formatting guidelines:
Step 2:: Understand the VSEPR Model
In this case, we're analyzing the molecular geometry of ammonia ($$\mathrm{NH}_{3}$$).
The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) model helps predict molecular geometry based on the number of electron domains around the central atom.
Step 3:: Determine the Central Atom and Electron Domains
- The central atom is nitrogen (N) - Count the electron domains: * 3 bonding domains (N-H bonds) * 1 lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom - Total electron domains: 4
Step 4:: Analyze Electron Domain Geometry
With 4 total electron domains, the electron domain geometry is tetrahedral. However, this is not the same as molecular geometry.
Step 5:: Determine Molecular Geometry
- 3 bonding domains - 1 lone pair - This results in a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry - The lone pair causes the molecule to be non-planar and pyramidal
Step 6:: Eliminate Incorrect Options
- Linear: Incorrect (does not match the molecular structure) - Trigonal planar: Incorrect (would require 3 bonding domains with no lone pair) - Tetrahedral: Incorrect (describes electron domain geometry, not molecular geometry)
Final Answer
The key insight is that the lone pair on the nitrogen atom pushes the hydrogen atoms into a pyramidal shape, creating the trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry for ammonia (\mathrm{NH}_{3}).
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