How do you determine the shape and bond angle of an ammonia molecule?

Firstly, how many electrons does nitrogen have in its outer shell?... Nitrogen is in group 5, so 5.How many more electrons does nitrogen need to give it a full outer shell?... 8 electrons provide a full outer shell, so it needs 3 more. Therefore each nitrogen atom makes one covalent bond with 3 hydrogen atoms.So what is the formula of ammonia?... NH3. 3 of the nitrogens 5 outer electrons are involved in covalent bonds with hydrogen atoms, so how many lone pairs are there?... There are 2 electrons left over in the outer shell so one lone pair.Therefore there are 3 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair, so what shape is the molecule?... Triangular pyramid.What is the bond angle?... There are four pairs of electrons so the initial bond angle is 109.5 degrees, however lone pairs decrease the angle by 2.5 degrees each. There is one lone pair so the bond angle is 109.5-2.5= 107 degrees.

Answered by Chemistry tutor

5135 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Write equations and give the mechanism for the reaction of butanone with: 1) NaBH4 and 2) HCN


Briefly discuss Le Chatelier's Principle. Ammonia is made in the Haber Process (3H2(g) + N2(g)<-> 2NH3(g)). Using Le Chetelier's Principal, what happens to the equilibrium yield of ammonia when...: A) Temp increases, B) Press increases C) Catalyst changes


Why does the first ionisation energy increase across period 3?


What is a dative covalent bond?


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