Polyatomic Lewis Structure and Charges

How can you determine the central atom in the molecular structure?

• The central atom is determined by the atom that will share the most amount of electrons or least electronegative

• The central atom is determined by the molecular weight.
• The central atom is always the most abundant element.
• The central atom is the one with the lowest atomic number.

Calculate the total number of valence electrons in the ammonium ion (NH4+).

• 8

• 9

• 10

• 11

What is the chemical formula for ammonium?

• NH₄O^-

• NH₄⁺

• N₂H₄⁺

• NH₃⁺

How does a 1+ charge affect the total number of electrons in an ion?

• It indicates the gain of one electron.

• It indicates the loss of one electron.

• It indicates the gain of two electrons.

• It indicates the loss of two electrons.

How many single bonds does the polyatomic ion, ammonium, have?

• 4
• 3
• 2
• 5

Determine the total number of valence electrons in the phosphate ion (PO4^3-).

• 24

• 29

• 32

• 35

How do you know that the phosphorus atom has 5 valence electrons?

How does a 3- charge affect the total number of electrons in an ion?

• It indicates the gain of three electrons.

• It indicates the loss of three electrons.

• It indicates the gain of one electron.

• It indicates the loss of one electron.