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 the Lewis - structure of HNO

The Lewis - structure of HNO has the central nitrogen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom by a single bond and to an oxygen atom by a double bond. Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. After forming a single bond with hydrogen and a double bond with oxygen, there is one lone - pair on nitrogen. So, the number of electron groups around nitrogen is 3 (one single bond, one double bond, and one lone - pair).

Step2: Determine the electron - group arrangement

According to the 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