How to predict the bond angle and shape of a molecule of NH3

An atom of nitrogen has 5 valence electrons in its outer shell. Each hydrogen atom in ammonia bonds to the central nitrogen atom and contributes an electron each. This means there are 8 electrons in total on the central nitrogen in ammonia. Each NH bond is a pair of electrons therefore the existence of 3 NH bonds in ammonia means that 6 of these 8 electrons are involved in bonding leaving a lone pair of electrons. These 3 bonding pairs and one lone pair of electrons arrange themselves are far apart as possible to minimise repulsion and so they arrange themselves in a tetrahedral. The angles between each bond is less that 109.5 because there is greater repulsion from the lone par - it pushes the bonds closer to one another.

DP
Answered by Daidria P. Chemistry tutor

5425 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Q1. Two beakers, A and B, each contain 100.0 cm^3 of 0.0125 mol/dm^3 nitric acid. Calculate the pH of the solution formed after 50.0 cm^3 of distilled water are added to beaker A. Give your answer to 2 decimal places.


Why does the first ionisation energy of atoms generally increase across a period?


What 2 reagents are required to form NO2+ (state conditions)? Write an equation for this reaction.


Describe the enthalpy change of formation of butane.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning