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How many unshared pairs of electrons does the nitrogen atom in ammonia possess?

User Anor
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1 Answer

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In order to find the number of unshared electrons present on N atom in Ammonia (NH₃), we will first draw the lewis structure of Ammonia.

Step 1: Calculate number of Total valence Electrons:

# of Valence e⁻s in N = 5

# of Valence e⁻s in H₁ = 1

# of Valence e⁻s in H₂ = 1

# of Valence e⁻s in H₃ = 1
---------------
Total Valence e⁻s = 8

Step 2: Start drawing the structure:

Draw Central atom (N) in center surrounded by three H atoms. Connect N with each H atom through single bond and subtract e elctrons from total valence electrons for each single bon. Therefore, for three single bonds, 6 electrons are subtracted. i.e.

= 8 - 6

= 2

These two electrons left are added to N atom as a lone pair of electron.

Result:
Nitrogen atom in Ammonia possess 2 (two) unshared electrons marked as red in given picture.
User Jordan Burnett
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