The electron dot structure of NH₃ shows that each hydrogen atom shares electrons with nitrogen, forming single covalent bonds and allowing all four atoms to attain stable noble gas configurations.
What is the electron dot structure for ammonia (NH₃), and how does it illustrate the achievement of noble gas configuration for all atoms in the molecule?
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The electron dot structure for ammonia (NH₃) depicts a nitrogen atom at the center, bonded to three hydrogen atoms. Nitrogen contributes one electron, and each hydrogen contributes one, forming three shared pairs. The representation involves dots or crosses around each H atom, indicating valence electrons, and a lone pair on nitrogen. This structure allows all atoms to achieve a stable configuration reminiscent of the noble gas helium. Nitrogen attains an octet, while each hydrogen reaches the electronic configuration of helium, both resembling noble gases. The electron dot structure illustrates the covalent bonding that facilitates noble gas configurations in NH₃.