QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Which structure is the Lewis structure for ammonia (NH3)?
# $\circ$ A. $\mathrm{N}-\mathrm{H}-\mathrm{H}-\mathrm{H}$
$\circ$ B. $\quad \begin{array}{r}\mathrm{H} \\ \mid\end{array}$
\begin{array}{ll}
\mathrm{H}-\mathrm{N}-\mathrm{H}
\end{array}
$\circ$ C. $\quad \begin{array}{r}\mathrm{H} \\ \mid\end{array}$
\begin{array}{ll}
\mathrm{H}-\mathrm{N}-\mathrm{H}
\end{array}
$\circ$ D. $\mathrm{H}-\mathrm{N}-\mathrm{H}-\mathrm{H}$
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this step by step using proper Lewis structure principles:
Step 2:: Determine the central atom
- In ammonia ($$\mathrm{NH}_{3}$$), nitrogen (N) is the central atom
- Nitrogen is less electronegative and can form multiple bonds
Step 3:: Calculate total valence electrons
- Total valence electrons: $$5 + (3 \times 1) = 8$$ electrons
- Nitrogen: 5 valence electrons - Hydrogen: 1 valence electron × 3 = 3 electrons
Step 4:: Arrange electrons to satisfy octet rule
- Nitrogen wants 8 electrons - Hydrogen wants 2 electrons - Form single bonds between N and each H
Step 5:: Draw Lewis structure
- Nitrogen in center - Three hydrogen atoms bonded to nitrogen - Correct structure looks like: \begin{array}{r} \mathrm{H} \ \mid \ \mathrm{H}-\mathrm{N}-\mathrm{H} \end{array}
Final Answer
Option B is the correct Lewis structure for ammonia (\mathrm{NH}_{3}).
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