Question

Match the correct pairs for ammonia molecule.

• A. Four
• B. Three
• C. One

Answer 1

The nitrogen atom has an electronic configuration $1s^2$ $2s^2$ $2p_x^1$ $2p_y^1$ $2p_z^1$.

The nitrogen atom shares it's three electrons with three hydrogen atoms to form ammonia molecule. These are bond pair electrons.

There are two unshared electrons in 2s orbital. These are called lone pair of electrons.

Therefore, there are total four electron pairs ( three bond pairs and one lone pair).