Question

Explain why the H-N-H bond angle of NH3 is different from the H-N-H bond angle of NH4+; referring to both species in your answer.

A) NH3 is a linear molecule, while NH4+ is tetrahedral.
B) NH3 has lone pairs on nitrogen, causing repulsion, while NH4+ doesn't.
C) Both have the same bond angle.
D) Can't be determined

Answer 1

The presence of lone pairs on nitrogen in NH3 causes a smaller bond angle compared to NH4+, which does not have any lone pairs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The H-N-H bond angle of NH3 is different from the H-N-H bond angle of NH4+ due to the presence of lone pairs on nitrogen in NH3. In NH3, the lone pairs on nitrogen cause repulsion, resulting in a slightly smaller bond angle compared to the regular tetrahedral angle of 109.5°. On the other hand, NH4+ does not have any lone pairs, so the bond angle is closer to the ideal tetrahedral angle.