What is the molecular geometry of ammonia (NH3)?
Correct Answer: Trigonal Pyramidal
- Step 1: Identify the chemical formula of ammonia, which is NH3.
- Step 2: Determine the central atom in ammonia, which is nitrogen (N).
- Step 3: Count the number of hydrogen (H) atoms bonded to nitrogen. There are 3 hydrogen atoms.
- Step 4: Check for lone pairs on the nitrogen atom. Nitrogen has 1 lone pair.
- Step 5: Use the VSEPR theory (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) to predict the shape. The lone pair pushes the hydrogen atoms down.
- Step 6: Conclude that the arrangement of the 3 hydrogen atoms and 1 lone pair creates a trigonal pyramidal shape.
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