Why is the molecule CH4 tetrahedral whereas NH3 is not?

By the VSEPR (Valence shell electron pairs repulsions) theory, even though there are four electron pairs on C and N, the presence of a lone pair of electrons on N increases the repulsions, meaning that the NH3 molecule is not tetrahedral but trigonal bipyramidal.

PL

Related Chemistry IB answers

All answers ▸

Why is there a significant difference between the radii of first and second row transition metals, where as no difference (or even a decrease) is observed between the second and third rows?


What are the four different intermolecular forces?


Explain the general trend in first ionisation energy across period 2 in the periodic table.


Why are noble gases so unreactive?