QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
What is the electron geometry of NH^3 (ammonia)?
A. Trigonal planar
B. Bent
C. Tetrahedral
D. Linear
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this step by step using VSEPR theory to determine the electron geometry of NH^3.
Step 2:: Determine the central atom
- The central atom in NH^3 is nitrogen (N) - Nitrogen is in Group 15 (VA) and has 5 valence electrons
Step 3:: Count the total number of electron domains around the central atom
- Total electron domains: $$3 + 1 = 4$$ electron domains
- 1 lone pair on nitrogen: 1 \times 1 = 1 non-bonding electron domain
Step 4:: Use VSEPR theory to determine electron geometry
- With 4 total electron domains, the electron geometry follows the pattern for 4 domains - This corresponds to a tetrahedral arrangement of electron domains
Step 5:: Analyze the electron domain geometry
- 4 electron domains around the central atom - Tetrahedral electron geometry requires 109.5° angles between domains
Final Answer
Tetrahedral Explanation: The electron geometry of NH^3 is tetrahedral due to the 4 total electron domains (3 bonding, 1 non-bonding) around the central nitrogen atom, even though the molecular geometry is trigonal pyramidal.
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