Understanding the Ammonium Ion (NH4+)

This video tutorial explains how to draw the Lewis structure of the ammonium ion (NH4+). It begins by calculating the valence electrons and accounting for the positive charge. The tutorial then guides viewers through drawing the Lewis structure, emphasizing that hydrogen forms only single bonds. It explains how to calculate the formal charge of nitrogen and describes the molecular geometry, bond angle, and hybridization of NH4+, comparing it to methane. The video concludes with a summary of these key points.

How many valence electrons are present in the ammonium ion (NH4+)?

• 10

• 9

• 8

• 7

What is the effect of the positive charge on the electron count in NH4+?

• It has no effect

• It adds one electron

• It removes one electron

• It doubles the electrons

What type of bond does hydrogen form in the Lewis structure of NH4+?

• Double bond

• Triple bond

• No bond

• Single bond

Why does hydrogen not have lone pairs in the NH4+ structure?

• It can only form single bonds

• It can only form double bonds

• It has no electrons

• It can form any type of bond

How is the formal charge on nitrogen in NH4+ calculated?

• Bonds minus valence electrons

• Valence electrons minus bonds and lone pairs

• Bonds plus lone pairs

• Valence electrons plus bonds

What is the formal charge on the nitrogen atom in NH4+?

• +1

• +2

• 0

• -1

What is the molecular geometry of NH4+?

• Tetrahedral

• Trigonal planar

• Linear

• Bent

What is the bond angle in the ammonium ion similar to?

• 120 degrees

• 180 degrees

• 109.5 degrees

• 90 degrees

What is the hybridization of the central nitrogen atom in NH4+?

• sp

• sp3d

• sp2

• sp3

Which orbitals are involved in the sp3 hybridization of nitrogen in NH4+?

• s and p

• s, p, and d

• s and d

• p and d