Why NH3 is arranged as a tetrahedron

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The discussion centers on the molecular geometry of ammonia (NH3) and its tetrahedral arrangement, contrasting it with carbon dioxide (CO2) and its linear structure. NH3's tetrahedral shape arises from the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory, which explains that electron pairs around a central atom (nitrogen) repel each other, leading to a three-dimensional arrangement. In contrast, CO2 is a non-polar molecule due to its symmetrical linear shape, which results in an even distribution of charge, lacking dipoles. The conversation also touches on the limitations of using symmetry axes to determine molecular polarity, suggesting that while this method can be useful, it may not always provide a complete understanding of a molecule's behavior.
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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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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 CO_2
 
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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.
 
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