Question

A molecule of ammonia has three atoms of hydrogen and one atom of nitrogen. What will be its atomicity? What is the valency of nitrogen?

Answer 1

• The number of atoms present in a molecule of an element is known as atomicity of that element.
• Based on the atomicity, molecules of elements can be monoatomic, diatomic, triatomic, or polyatomic.
• The molecule of ammonia has three atoms of hydrogen and one atom of nitrogen. Thus, it's atomicity is 1 + 3 = 4.
• Valency is defined as the combining capacity of an element.
• In ammonia, one atom of nitrogen combines with three atoms of hydrogen. Thus, the valency of nitrogen is 3.