Final answer:
The Nitrate (NO₃⁻) ion has a resonance hybrid Lewis structure with multiple forms represented by double-headed arrows. The ion is bent with an approximate ONO bond angle of 120° and the nitrogen is sp² hybridized.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the question is the Nitrate (NO₃⁻) ion and the inquiry is about determining its Lewis Dot structure and molecular geometry. Beginning with a count of valence electrons, the structure has 24 electrons: ((1*5) + (3*6) + 1 from the charge). We need to recognize that due to the presence of resonance, there isn't a single definitive Lewis structure for the nitrate ion.
The actual structure is a resonance hybrid, where the electron distribution within the nitrogen-oxygen bonds is an average of a double bond and a single bond, meaning no individual Lewis structure perfectly represents the molecule. Instead, the use of double-headed arrows between Lewis structures indicates alternative forms.
The molecular geometry of the NO₃⁻ ion is bent, with nitrogen being sp² hybridized and an ONO bond angle of approximately 120°.