Question

question 11 (1 point)
which of the following has the greatest number of unshared electrons around the central atom?
nh₄⁺
ch₄
clf₃
bcl₃
icl₅

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate unshared electrons for \(NH_4^+\)

N has 5 valence electrons. In \(NH_4^+\), it forms 4 bonds (each bond uses 1 electron). So unshared electrons: \(5 - 4=1\) (but due to +1 charge, effectively 0 unshared pairs as all are used in bonding).

Step2: Calculate unshared electrons for \(CH_4\)

C has 4 valence electrons. Forms 4 bonds. Unshared electrons: \(4 - 4 = 0\).

Step3: Calculate unshared electrons for \(ClF_3\)

Cl has 7 valence electrons. Forms 3 bonds (with F). So unshared electrons: \(7-3 = 4\), which is 2 unshared pairs.

Step4: Calculate unshared electrons for \(BCl_3\)

B has 3 valence electrons. Forms 3 bonds. Unshared electrons: \(3 - 3=0\).

Step5: Calculate unshared electrons for \(ICl_5\)

I has 7 valence electrons. Forms 5 bonds. Unshared electrons: \(7 - 5=2\), which is 1 unshared pair.

Answer:

\(ClF_3\)