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:

Identify steric number and electron geometry

$$ \text{Steric Number} = 3 \text{ single bonds} + 1 \text{ lone pair} = 4 $$

$$ \text{Electron Geometry} = \text{tetrahedral} $$

Determine molecular geometry

$$ \text{Molecular Geometry} = 3 \text{ bonding pairs} + 1 \text{ lone pair} = \text{trigonal pyramidal} $$

Match with options

$$ \text{Option D} = \text{trigonal pyramidal} $$

Answer:

• A) linear
• B) trigonal planar
• C) tetrahedral
• D) trigonal pyramidal (Correct answer)