Would ammonia, N , be more or less polar if its shape were triangular planar rather than triangular?

Question

Would ammonia, N  , be more or less polar if its shape were triangular planar rather than triangular?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The polarity of a molecule depends on the arrangement of atoms and distribution of electrons. In the case of ammonia, the central nitrogen atom has a lone pair of electrons and three hydrogen atoms arranged in a trigonal pyramid shape. This gives the molecule a dipole moment and makes it polar. If the shape of the molecule were changed to a triangular planar, the molecule would have increased symmetry, which would result in a more evenly distributed electron density and a decrease in polarity. Therefore, option C is the best choice as it correctly explains the effect of changes in the molecule's shape on its polarity.

Would Ammonia, N , Be More or Less Polar