Question 9.5: Write the Lewis structure for NH3.

Write the Lewis structure for NH_{3}.

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Since hydrogen is always terminal, put nitrogen in the central position.

H \underset{H}{N} H

Total number of electrons for Lewis structure =

\left( \begin{matrix} \text{number of} \\ \text{valence} \\ e^- \text{for }N  \end{matrix} \right) +3 \left( \begin{matrix} \text{number of } \\ \text{valence }\\ e^- \text{for } H \end{matrix}\right)

= 5 + 3(1) = 8

Bonding electrons are first.

H:\underset{\overset{..}{H} }{N} :H

(6 of 8 electrons used)
Lone pairs on terminal atoms are next, but none are needed on hydrogen.Lone pairs on central atom are last.

\begin{matrix}H -\underset{|} {\ddot{N} } -H\\ H\end{matrix}

(8 of 8 electrons used)

Since all of the atoms have octets (or duets for hydrogen), the Lewis structure for NH_{3} is complete as shown in step 3.

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