33.4k views
4 votes
A molecule of ammonia (NH₃) has:

a. Only single bonds
b. Only double bonds
c. Only triple bonds
d. Two double bonds and one single bond

User Azizbekian
by
8.4k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

A molecule of ammonia (NH₃) has three single bonds between the nitrogen and the hydrogen atoms, and one lone pair on the nitrogen, resulting in a trigonal pyramidal shape.

Step-by-step explanation:

A molecule of ammonia (NH₃) consists of one atom of nitrogen bonded to three atoms of hydrogen. These atoms are linked with three single bonds. The central nitrogen atom also has one lone pair of electrons, which contributes to the molecule's tetrahedral electron-pair geometry and trigonal pyramidal molecular structure. Ammonia's actual bond angles deviate slightly from the idealized angles because the lone pair occupies more space than the bonded electron pairs. Therefore, the answer to the student's question is that a molecule of ammonia has only single bonds.

User Pskink
by
8.4k points