Question

1. this is a diagram of ammonia. this molecule has a central nitrogen atom singly bonded to three hydrogen atoms. the nitrogen atom also has one lone pair of electrons. the shape of this molecule can be classified as _______. a) linear b) trigonal planar c) tetrahedral d) trigonal pyramidal

Explanation:

To determine the molecular shape of ammonia (\(NH_3\)):

1. First, identify the electron - domain geometry. The central nitrogen atom has 3 bonding domains (from the three \(N - H\) bonds) and 1 non - bonding domain (the lone pair of electrons). The electron - domain geometry (considering both bonding and non - bonding domains) is tetrahedral.
2. Then, determine the molecular shape (which considers only the bonding domains). When there is one lone pair and three bonding pairs around the central atom, the molecular shape is trigonal pyramidal.

• A linear shape (option A) occurs when the central atom has two bonding domains and no lone pairs (e.g., \(CO_2\)).
• A trigonal planar shape (option B) occurs when the central atom has three bonding domains and no lone pairs (e.g., \(BF_3\)).
• A tetrahedral shape (option C) occurs when the central atom has four bonding domains and no lone pairs (e.g., \(CH_4\)).

Answer:

D) trigonal pyramidal