JAMB Chemistry 1994 Question 9

Question 9

Chemical Bonding

The shape of ammonia molecule is

A.trigonal planar
B.octahedral
C.square planar
D.tetrahedral

Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (tetrahedral)

Explanation

Nitrogen in NH₃ has four electron pairs (three bonding, one lone pair) arranged tetrahedrally, which makes the molecule a pyramid. Of the options given, tetrahedral is the only one that fits.