How do you determine the shape and bond angle of an ammonia molecule?

Firstly, how many electrons does nitrogen have in its outer shell?... Nitrogen is in group 5, so 5.How many more electrons does nitrogen need to give it a full outer shell?... 8 electrons provide a full outer shell, so it needs 3 more. Therefore each nitrogen atom makes one covalent bond with 3 hydrogen atoms.So what is the formula of ammonia?... NH3. 3 of the nitrogens 5 outer electrons are involved in covalent bonds with hydrogen atoms, so how many lone pairs are there?... There are 2 electrons left over in the outer shell so one lone pair.Therefore there are 3 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair, so what shape is the molecule?... Triangular pyramid.What is the bond angle?... There are four pairs of electrons so the initial bond angle is 109.5 degrees, however lone pairs decrease the angle by 2.5 degrees each. There is one lone pair so the bond angle is 109.5-2.5= 107 degrees.

Answered by Chemistry tutor

4050 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Draw the mechanism for the reaction of an acid chloride with an alcohol to form an ester


The standard enthalpy of formation of glucose is -1273.3kJ/mol, and for carbon dioxide it is -393.5kJ/mol, and for water -285.8 kJ/mol. What is the standard enthalpy of combustion of glucose, C6H12O6?


Why does ice float on water?


How do you calculate the pH of a weak acid?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences