Textbook Question
State the number of valence electrons, bonding pairs, and lone pairs in each of the following Lewis structures: (6.6)c.
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10. Chemical Bonding
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds (Simplified)
Multiple Choice
Determine the Lewis Dot Structure for the NH3 compound.
A
B
C
D
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the total number of valence electrons in the NH3 molecule. Nitrogen (N) has 5 valence electrons, and each hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron. Therefore, the total number of valence electrons is 5 + 3(1) = 8.
Determine the central atom in the NH3 molecule. Nitrogen is less electronegative than hydrogen and can form more bonds, so it will be the central atom.
Arrange the hydrogen atoms around the nitrogen atom. Each hydrogen atom will form a single bond with nitrogen, using 2 electrons per bond.
Distribute the remaining valence electrons. After forming three N-H bonds, 6 electrons are used, leaving 2 electrons. These remaining electrons will be placed as a lone pair on the nitrogen atom.
Verify the structure by checking that all atoms have a complete valence shell. Hydrogen atoms have 2 electrons each, satisfying their valence shell, and nitrogen has 8 electrons (6 from bonds and 2 from the lone pair), satisfying its valence shell.
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