How can I raw dots-and-crosses diagrams (showing outer electrons only) for ammonia, NH_3?

1 Answer
Jun 26, 2015

You draw intersecting circles with the dots and crosses in the intersections.

Explanation:

Nitrogen ("N") is in Group 15, so it has 5 outer electrons. It needs three more electrons to complete its octet.

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Hydrogen ("H") is in Group 1, so it has 1 electron. It needs one more electron to complete its valence shell.

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Each atom can get a complete shell if three "H" atoms share their electrons and form covalent bonds with an "N" atom.

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Now, each "H" atom has two electrons, and "N" has eight electrons in its outer shell.