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Multiple Choice
Draw the Lewis Dot Structure for the following cation:NH4+.
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Verified step by step guidance
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Identify the central atom in the cation NH4+. In this case, nitrogen (N) is the central atom.
Determine the total number of valence electrons available. Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, and each hydrogen has 1 valence electron. Since NH4+ is a cation with a +1 charge, subtract one electron from the total count.
Calculate the total valence electrons: 5 (from N) + 4 (from H) - 1 (due to the positive charge) = 8 valence electrons.
Distribute the electrons around the central atom to form bonds. Place one pair of electrons between nitrogen and each hydrogen atom to form four N-H bonds.
Ensure that nitrogen has a complete octet. In NH4+, nitrogen shares its electrons with hydrogen atoms, forming four single bonds, and the positive charge indicates that nitrogen has no lone pairs.