Why NH3 is arranged as a tetrahedron

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In summary, NH3 is arranged as a tetrahedron due to the requirements of molecular orbitals and the Bohr model not being able to explain covalent bonding. VSEPR theory can help explain this arrangement. On the other hand, CO2 is considered non-polar because it lacks an asymmetric charge distribution that would result in dipoles. Drawing an axis of symmetry may help determine if a molecule is polar or non-polar, but it is not always a reliable method.
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primarygun
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why NH3 is arranged as a tetrahedron rather than arranged like the earth(N) is surrounded by 3 satellite(H)?



O=C=O

If is +ve, then it is repelled at its position but it will be attracted if it is at the position of .
Why CO2 is still considered as a non-polar molecule?
is exactly above the C
 
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  • #2
primarygun said:
why NH3 is arranged as a tetrahedron rather than arranged like the earth(N) is surrounded by 3 satellite(H)?

Molecular orbitals require that electrons be found in certain places. The "mini solar system" model of the atom (the Bohr model) does not explain covalent bonding.

Are you familiary with VSEPR theory? this may help you:

http://chemlabs.uoregon.edu/GeneralResources/models/vsepr.html


primarygun said:
O=C=O

If is +ve, then it is repelled at its position but it will be attracted if it is at the position of .
Why CO2 is still considered as a non-polar molecule?
is exactly above the C

It is not considered to be non-polar, it is non-polar.

a polar molecule is one in which you find an asymmetric charge distribution that gives rise to dipoles on the molecule. there is no such region of electron density on [itex]CO_2[/itex]
 
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  • #3
Thank you.
so the method to find out whether a molecule is non-polar or polar is to draw axis of symmetry on it.
Does this method always work? If not, please tell me what the limitation is.
 

1. Why does NH3 have a tetrahedral arrangement?

NH3, or ammonia, has a tetrahedral arrangement because of its sp3 hybridization. This means that the nitrogen atom in NH3 has 4 electron domains, resulting in a tetrahedral shape with 3 bond angles of 109.5 degrees.

2. What determines the tetrahedral shape of NH3?

The tetrahedral shape of NH3 is determined by its electron geometry, which is the arrangement of all electron domains around the central nitrogen atom. In this case, the electron geometry is tetrahedral due to the presence of 4 electron domains.

3. Is there a specific reason why NH3 has a tetrahedral arrangement and not another shape?

Yes, the tetrahedral arrangement of NH3 is a result of its sp3 hybridization and the number of electron domains around the central nitrogen atom. This arrangement allows for the maximum separation of bonding and non-bonding electron pairs, resulting in a more stable molecule.

4. Can the tetrahedral shape of NH3 be predicted using any formulas or equations?

Yes, the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory can be used to predict the shape of molecules like NH3. This theory states that electron domains will arrange themselves as far apart as possible to minimize repulsion, resulting in a specific shape.

5. How does the tetrahedral shape of NH3 affect its properties and behavior?

The tetrahedral shape of NH3 affects its properties and behavior in several ways. First, it allows for a more symmetrical distribution of charge, making NH3 a polar molecule. This shape also allows for strong hydrogen bonding between NH3 molecules, resulting in its high boiling point and other unique properties.

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