Question

identify the correct lewis structure for ni₃. select the single best answer.

Explanation:

Nitrogen (N) has 5 valence electrons and iodine (I) has 7 valence electrons. In $NI_3$, nitrogen is the central atom. Nitrogen forms three single - bonds with three iodine atoms to complete its octet, and each iodine atom also has 3 lone - pairs of electrons to complete its octet. The correct Lewis structure has single bonds between N and I and lone - pairs on both N and I.

Answer:

The Lewis structure with single bonds between N and each of the three I atoms and lone - pairs on N and I (the third option from the top in the image where N is central, bonded to three I's and has a lone - pair on N and 3 lone - pairs on each I).