Step-by-step explanation:
Here is a diagram showing how an ammonium ion (NH4+) is formed:
1. Start with a nitrogen atom (N) and four hydrogen atoms (H) arranged in a tetrahedral shape, with the nitrogen atom at the center and the hydrogen atoms at the corners.
2. One of the hydrogen atoms donates its electron to the nitrogen atom, forming a covalent bond.
3. Each of the other three hydrogen atoms also forms a covalent bond with the nitrogen atom, sharing an electron pair.
4. The result is a molecule with a positive and negative side, known as a polar molecule. The nitrogen atom has a partial negative charge and the hydrogen atoms have partial positive charges.
5. A water molecule (H2O) can interact with the ammonium ion, forming hydrogen bonds. One hydrogen atom in the water molecule is attracted to the negative side of the ammonium ion (the nitrogen atom), while the oxygen atom in the water molecule is attracted to the positive side of the ammonium ion (the hydrogen atoms).
6. In the process, the water molecule donates a hydrogen ion (H+) to the ammonium ion, which accepts it. This forms an ammonium ion, NH4+.