The image you've uploaded appears to be a
Lewis structure diagram representing the molecule
ammonia (NH₃). Let's break down what we see and solve the problem step by step.
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🔍 Understanding the Diagram
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Red circles labeled "H": These represent hydrogen atoms.
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Red circle labeled "N": This represents a nitrogen atom.
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Blue "X" marks: These represent electrons (likely valence electrons).
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Blue dots: These are also electrons, possibly lone pairs or shared electrons.
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Black circles: These represent atomic orbitals or electron clouds.
There are:
- One central nitrogen atom (N)
- Three hydrogen atoms (H) bonded to it
- Electrons shown as crosses (×) and dots (•)
This is a representation of the
electron distribution in ammonia, likely showing bonding and lone pairs.
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✔ Step-by-Step Analysis
#### 1.
Valence Electrons
- Nitrogen (N) has
5 valence electrons.
- Each Hydrogen (H) has
1 valence electron.
- Total valence electrons in NH₃ = 5 + 3×1 =
8 electrons
#### 2.
Bonding
- Each H forms a single covalent bond with N → 3 bonds × 2 electrons =
6 electrons used in bonding
- Remaining electrons: 8 − 6 =
2 electrons, which form a
lone pair on nitrogen.
#### 3.
Electron Geometry
- Nitrogen has
4 electron domains:
- 3 bonding pairs (to H)
- 1 lone pair
- Electron geometry:
Tetrahedral
- Molecular geometry:
Trigonal pyramidal (due to lone pair)
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🧩 What the Diagram Shows
Looking closely:
- The central
N is surrounded by
three H atoms.
- There are
three shared electron pairs (each between N and H), represented by overlapping regions with blue crosses/dots.
- There is
one lone pair on nitrogen (shown as two blue dots or crosses in the central circle).
- The large outer circle around N may represent its valence shell.
- The overlapping areas indicate
covalent bonds.
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✔ Conclusion: This is Ammonia (NH₃)
Answer:
The diagram represents the
electron dot structure (Lewis structure) of
ammonia (NH₃), where:
- Nitrogen is bonded to three hydrogen atoms via single covalent bonds.
- Nitrogen has one lone pair of electrons.
- The molecule has a
trigonal pyramidal shape due to the lone pair repelling the bonding pairs.
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📌 Key Takeaways:
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Molecular formula: NH₃
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Electron geometry: Tetrahedral
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Molecular geometry: Trigonal pyramidal
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Hybridization: sp³
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Polarity: Polar molecule (due to lone pair and electronegativity difference)
Let me know if you'd like a sketch explanation or help identifying something specific in the diagram!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of covalent bond worksheet with questions.
