Question

06 question (1 point)
nitrogen trifluoride, nf₃, is used in the electronics industry to clean surfaces. nf₃ is also a potent greenhouse gas.
draw the complete lewis structure for nf₃.
3rd attempt

Explanation:

Step1: Count valence electrons

N has 5 valence electrons and each F has 7 valence electrons. So total valence electrons = 5 + 3×7 = 26.

Step2: Determine central atom

N is the central atom as it is less electronegative than F.

Step3: Connect atoms with single - bonds

Connect N to each F with a single - bond (a pair of electrons). This uses 6 electrons (3 single - bonds, 2 electrons per bond).

Step4: Distribute remaining electrons

We have 26 - 6=20 electrons left. Place 3 lone - pairs on each F atom (3×6 = 18 electrons used). Then place the remaining 2 electrons on the N atom as a lone - pair.

Answer:

The Lewis structure has N in the center with single - bonds to three F atoms. Each F atom has 3 lone - pairs and N has 1 lone - pair.