Nitrogen (N) is more electronegative than hydrogen (H). Which of the following is a correct statement about the atoms in ammonia (NH3)?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In NH3, nitrogen is more electronegative than hydrogen, therefore it attracts the shared electrons more strongly and gains a partial negative charge. As a result, each hydrogen atom loses some electron density and gains a partial positive charge. This makes NH3 a polar molecule with a net dipole moment. Therefore, choice A is the correct statement, where each hydrogen atom has a partial positive charge and the nitrogen atom has a partial negative charge. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they imply an overall charge on the molecule, which is not the case. Choice E is incorrect because there are only covalent bonds between the atoms in NH3, and all bonds are polar covalent due to the difference in electronegativity between nitrogen and hydrogen.

Nitrogen (N) Is More Electronegative Than Hydrogen (H)