Although the valence electron pairs in ammonia have a tetrahedral arrangement, the overall geometric structure of the ammonia molecule is not described as being tetrahedral. Explain.
Added by Kevin N.
Step 1
Step 1: Nitrogen in ammonia has 5 valence electrons, with 3 of them forming covalent bonds with hydrogen atoms and 2 remaining as lone pairs. Show more…
Show all steps
Your feedback will help us improve your experience
Niral M and 69 other Chemistry 101 educators are ready to help you.
Ask a new question
Labs
Want to see this concept in action?
Explore this concept interactively to see how it behaves as you change inputs.
Key Concepts
Recommended Videos
Chemical Bonding
Molecular Structure: The VSEPR Model
Ammonia has four pairs of electrons around the central nitrogen atom, and yet we don't call it a tetrahedral molecule. Why not? What is the shape of this molecule?
Jennifer H.
What is the geometric structure of the ammonia molecule? How many pairs of electrons surround the nitrogen atom in $\mathrm{NH}_{3} ?$ What is the approximate $\mathrm{H}-\mathrm{N}-\mathrm{H}$ bond angle in ammonia?
Structures of Molecules
Recommended Textbooks
Chemistry: Structure and Properties
Chemistry The Central Science
Chemistry
Transcript
18,000,000+
Students on Numerade
Trusted by students at 8,000+ universities
Watch the video solution with this free unlock.
EMAIL
PASSWORD