QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
"The shape of the ammonia molecule (NH₃) is ________.
A. linear
B. trigonal planar
C. trigonal pyramidal
D. tetrahedral
E. bent"
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Answer
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Step 1: Identify the number of atoms bonded to the central atom and recall the molecular geometries based on the number of electron pairs around the central atom.
The ammonia molecule (NH₃) has one nitrogen atom (N) and three hydrogen atoms (H) bonded to it. The central atom, nitrogen, is bonded to three other atoms, so there are three regions of electron density around it.
Step 2: Determine the electron pair geometry and molecular shape based on the number of electron pairs around the central atom.
For three regions of electron density, the electron pair geometry is trigonal planar. However, since there is a lone pair on the nitrogen atom, the molecular shape is not planar. Instead, the lone pair causes the molecule to have a pyramidal shape, with the nitrogen atom at the apex.
Final Answer
The shape of the ammonia molecule (NH₃) is trigonal pyramidal (option C).
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