An ammonium ion has the formula NH₄⁺. How many electrons must be shown in the Lewis structure of the ammonium ion?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Lewis structure of the ammonium ion shows that it has 8 electrons. Each hydrogen atom contributes one electron to the bonding pair, while the nitrogen atom contributes three electrons to the bonding pair and has a lone pair of electrons. The overall charge of the ion is +1, so one electron must be subtracted from the total count. Therefore, the Lewis structure of the ammonium ion has 8 electrons.

An Ammonium Ion Has the Formula NH4+

An Ammonium Ion Has the Formula NH₄⁺