Question

what is the correct lewis structure for ammonia, nh₃?

Explanation:

To determine the correct Lewis structure for \( \text{NH}_3 \) (ammonia), we analyze the valence electrons:

• Nitrogen (\( \text{N} \)) has 5 valence electrons.
• Hydrogen (\( \text{H} \)) has 1 valence electron (3 hydrogens contribute \( 3 \times 1 = 3 \) electrons).
• Total valence electrons: \( 5 + 3 = 8 \).

In the Lewis structure of \( \text{NH}_3 \):

• Nitrogen forms 3 single bonds with 3 hydrogens (using \( 3 \times 2 = 6 \) electrons, 2 per bond).
• The remaining \( 8 - 6 = 2 \) electrons (1 lone pair) stay on nitrogen.

Among the options, the structure with \( \text{N} \) bonded to 3 \( \text{H} \) atoms (each with a single bond) and a lone pair on \( \text{N} \) is correct. The top - most (yellow - bordered) structure likely shows this: \( \text{N} \) with 3 \( \text{H} \) bonds and a lone pair (represented by the two dots on \( \text{N} \)), matching the electron distribution for \( \text{NH}_3 \).

Answer:

The correct Lewis structure for \( \text{NH}_3 \) is the top - most (yellow - bordered) structure, which shows nitrogen (\( \text{N} \)) bonded to three hydrogen (\( \text{H} \)) atoms (each with a single bond) and a lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom.