What is the molecular shape of NH3 according to VSEPR theory?
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the molecular shape of NH3 according to VSEPR theory?
Linear
Trigonal planar
Tetrahedral
Trigonal pyramidal
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the molecular shape of NH3 according to VSEPR theory?
Step 1: Identify the molecule. We are looking at NH3, which is ammonia.
Step 2: Count the number of atoms bonded to the central atom (Nitrogen). NH3 has three hydrogen atoms bonded to nitrogen.
Step 3: Identify the lone pairs on the central atom (Nitrogen). In NH3, there is one lone pair of electrons on nitrogen.
Step 4: Use VSEPR theory to determine the shape. VSEPR stands for Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion, which states that electron pairs will arrange themselves to be as far apart as possible.
Step 5: Since there are three bonding pairs and one lone pair, the shape will be trigonal pyramidal. The lone pair pushes the hydrogen atoms down, creating a pyramid shape.
