Question

quiz 3_chap 7: covalent molecules
how many bonding pairs of electrons exist in a molecule of ammonia (nh₃)?
○ 6
○ 4
○ 3
○ 1

Explanation:

Step1: Recall NH₃ structure

Ammonia ($NH_3$) has a central N atom bonded to 3 H atoms. Each single bond (N - H) consists of one bonding pair of electrons.

Step2: Count bonding pairs

Since there are 3 N - H bonds, each with one bonding pair, the number of bonding pairs is 3.

Answer:

3 (corresponding to the option "3")