Answer :
Sure! Let's explore the electronegativity and charge distribution in ammonia ([tex]\( \text{NH}_3 \)[/tex]).
1. Understanding Electronegativity:
- Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons.
- Nitrogen (N) is more electronegative than hydrogen (H). This means nitrogen tends to attract electrons more strongly than hydrogen does.
2. Structure of Ammonia ([tex]\( \text{NH}_3 \)[/tex]):
- Ammonia consists of one nitrogen atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms.
- In these bonds, the more electronegative nitrogen atom pulls the shared electrons closer to itself.
3. Charge Distribution:
- Because nitrogen pulls electrons toward itself, it gains a partial negative charge (denoted as [tex]\( \delta^- \)[/tex]).
- Each hydrogen atom, which loses electron density to nitrogen, gains a partial positive charge (denoted as [tex]\( \delta^+ \)[/tex]).
4. Conclusion about Charges in Ammonia:
- The nitrogen atom has a partial negative charge.
- Each hydrogen atom has a partial positive charge.
5. Overall Charge of Ammonia:
- Ammonia is a neutral molecule overall. The positive and negative partial charges balance out within the molecule.
By understanding these principles, we find that the correct statement about the atoms in ammonia is: "Each hydrogen atom has a partial positive charge; the nitrogen atom has a partial negative charge."
1. Understanding Electronegativity:
- Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons.
- Nitrogen (N) is more electronegative than hydrogen (H). This means nitrogen tends to attract electrons more strongly than hydrogen does.
2. Structure of Ammonia ([tex]\( \text{NH}_3 \)[/tex]):
- Ammonia consists of one nitrogen atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms.
- In these bonds, the more electronegative nitrogen atom pulls the shared electrons closer to itself.
3. Charge Distribution:
- Because nitrogen pulls electrons toward itself, it gains a partial negative charge (denoted as [tex]\( \delta^- \)[/tex]).
- Each hydrogen atom, which loses electron density to nitrogen, gains a partial positive charge (denoted as [tex]\( \delta^+ \)[/tex]).
4. Conclusion about Charges in Ammonia:
- The nitrogen atom has a partial negative charge.
- Each hydrogen atom has a partial positive charge.
5. Overall Charge of Ammonia:
- Ammonia is a neutral molecule overall. The positive and negative partial charges balance out within the molecule.
By understanding these principles, we find that the correct statement about the atoms in ammonia is: "Each hydrogen atom has a partial positive charge; the nitrogen atom has a partial negative charge."
