Question

answer the questions in the table below about the shape of the nitrosyl hydride (hno) molecule. how many electron groups are around the central nitrogen atom? note: one \electron group\ means one lone pair, one single bond, one double bond, or one triple bond. what phrase best describes the arrangement of these electron groups around the central nitrogen atom? (you may need to use the scrollbar to see all the choices.)

Explanation:

Step1: Draw Lewis structure

Draw the Lewis - structure of HNO. Nitrogen (N) is the central atom. Nitrogen forms a single bond with hydrogen (H) and a double - bond with oxygen (O), and has one lone pair of electrons.

Step2: Count electron groups

A single bond, a double - bond, and a lone pair each count as one electron group. So, the number of electron groups around the central nitrogen atom is 3 (1 single bond + 1 double - bond+ 1 lone pair).

Step3: Determine electron - group arrangement

Based on VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory, when there are 3 electron groups around a central atom, the electron - group arrangement is trigonal planar.

Answer:

How many electron groups are around the central nitrogen atom? 3
What phrase best describes the arrangement of these electron groups around the central nitrogen atom? Trigonal planar