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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct number of valence electrons in NH3, and which Lewis structure best represents the molecule?
A
NH3 has 8 valence electrons; the Lewis structure shows nitrogen with a double bond to one hydrogen and single bonds to the other two hydrogens.
B
NH3 has 8 valence electrons; the Lewis structure shows nitrogen with three single bonds to hydrogens and one lone pair.
C
NH3 has 5 valence electrons; the Lewis structure shows nitrogen with three single bonds to hydrogens and one lone pair.
D
NH3 has 6 valence electrons; the Lewis structure shows nitrogen with three single bonds to hydrogens and no lone pairs.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Determine the total number of valence electrons in NH3 by adding the valence electrons of nitrogen and hydrogen atoms. Nitrogen is in group 15 and has 5 valence electrons, and each hydrogen has 1 valence electron. So, total valence electrons = 5 (N) + 3 × 1 (H) = 8 electrons.
Step 2: Use the total valence electrons to draw the Lewis structure. Place nitrogen as the central atom because it is less electronegative than hydrogen and can form multiple bonds.
Step 3: Connect each hydrogen atom to nitrogen with a single bond. Each single bond represents 2 electrons, so 3 single bonds use 6 electrons.
Step 4: Distribute the remaining electrons as lone pairs on the nitrogen atom. Since 6 electrons are used in bonds, 8 - 6 = 2 electrons remain, which form one lone pair on nitrogen.
Step 5: Verify the Lewis structure by checking that nitrogen has an octet (8 electrons total: 6 bonding + 2 lone pair) and each hydrogen has 2 electrons (a full shell for hydrogen). This confirms the correct Lewis structure is nitrogen with three single bonds to hydrogens and one lone pair.