QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
What is the correct molecular geometry of NH^3 according to valence shell electron pair repulsion theory?
Option 1: Linear
Option 2: Trigonal Planar
Option 3: Tetrahedral
Option 4: Octahedral
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step using VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory:
Step 2:: Determine the central atom and valence electrons
- Total valence electrons: $$5 + (3 \times 1) = 8$$ electrons
- The central atom is nitrogen (N) - Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons - Hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron
Step 3:: Draw the Lewis structure
- Form single bonds between N and each H - Remaining electrons form a lone pair on the nitrogen atom - Total electron domains: 4 (3 bonding, 1 non-bonding)
Step 4:: Apply VSEPR theory
- Number of electron domains: 4 - Number of bonding domains: 3 - Number of lone pairs: 1 - This corresponds to a trigonal pyramidal geometry
Step 5:: Determine electron domain geometry
- With 4 total electron domains, the electron domain geometry is tetrahedral - However, the molecular geometry is trigonal pyramidal due to the lone pair
Step 6:: Analyze molecular geometry
- The lone pair causes slight distortion from perfect tetrahedral - Bond angles will be slightly less than 109.5°
Final Answer
Option 3: Tetrahedral (electron domain geometry), with a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry.
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