Answer the following for the nitrogen atom: a) What is the Lewis representation for \(\mathrm{N}\) ? b) How many additional electrons does one \(\mathrm{N}\) atom require when it forms a molecule? c) What is the likely formula for a molecule composed of hydrogen atoms and one nitrogen atom? Draw the Lewis structure for this molecule.

Short Answer

Expert verified
a) The Lewis representation for Nitrogen is N surrounded by 5 dots (representing 5 valence electrons). b) A Nitrogen atom requires 3 additional electrons to form a molecule. c) The likely formula for a molecule composed of Hydrogen atoms and a Nitrogen atom is \(\mathrm{NH_3}\), and the Lewis structure for this molecule is drawn with the Nitrogen atom connected to 3 Hydrogen atoms by single bonds, with a lone pair of electrons present on the Nitrogen atom.

Step by step solution

01

Drawing the Lewis Structure for Nitrogen

The Lewis structure for a Nitrogen atom will be represented with 5 dots surrounding the symbol \(\mathrm{N}\). This is because Nitrogen is located in the 5th column of the periodic table, meaning it has 5 valence electrons - 2 in the s orbital and 3 in the p orbital.
02

Calculating Additional Electrons Required

To form a stable molecule, an element tries to achieve a configuration in which its outer shell is full. This is usually 8 electrons (known as the octet rule). Nitrogen already has 5 valence electrons, so it could accept 3 more electrons to complete its octet.
03

Finding the Likely Formula and Drawing Lewis Structure for Nitrogen and Hydrogen Molecule

A single Hydrogen atom contributes 1 electron to form a molecule. Since Nitrogen needs 3 more electrons to complete its octet, the likely formula for a molecule composed of Hydrogen atoms and one Nitrogen atom would be \(\mathrm{NH_3}\). The Lewis structure for this molecule can be drawn with a Nitrogen atom at the center, connected to 3 Hydrogen atoms by single bonds (represented by a line for each bond), with a lone pair of electrons present on Nitrogen atom.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free