Structure of Ammonia

Ammonia is a molecule, which is a combination of nitrogen and hydrogen. Ammonia has the formula of NH3. Nitrogen is the central atom and has five valence electrons. Hydrogen has one valence electron. Each of the three hydrogen atoms share its electrons with nitrogen to form a covalent bond. Nitrogen has two left over electrons that do not bond. 

3-D Structure of Ammonia

•  shape: AX3E (triangular pyramid)
• angles: 109.5 degrees

Image Sources:

http://newenergyandfuel.com/http:/newenergyandfuel/com/2008/09/30/a-fast-way-out-of-using-gasoline/nh3/

 

http://www.mikeblaber.org/oldwine/chm1045/notes/Geometry/VSEPR/Geom02.htm

Polarity of Ammonia

Ammonia is a polar molecule. The hydrogen atoms are slightly more positive than the slightly negative nitrogen atom. The nitrogen has two electrons, which are not bonded to any other atoms. These are called lone pairs. The lone pairs indicate that ammonia's structure is not symmetrical, and the electrons are not evenly distributed.

The electronegativity of the atoms involved in ammonia show that the bonds between N and H are moderately covalent.

                                                                   3.3 - 2.2 = 0.8

Forces of Attraction

• Dipole-Dipole
• London Dispersion Forces
• Hydrogen Bonding

Descriptions of the Intermolecular Forces:

Dipole-Dipole: Electrostatic attraction between the positive end of one molecule and the negative end of another.

London Dispersion: Because electrons are constantly moving, one end of a non-polar molecule is either temporarily positive or negative. Temporary dipoles are created, and two non-polar molecules may attract each other. Dispersion forces act on all molecules.

Hydrogen Bonding: Temporary bond forms between an H atom of a molecule and a N, O, or F atom of another molecule.

Everyone Wants Ammonia!

Ammonia is a very useful molecule! It is commonly used in fertilizer. Ammonia can also be used as a household cleaner. When it is dissolved in water, it becomes known as ammonium hydroxide. It leaves a streak-free shine and is commonly used to clean glass, stainless-steel, and ovens. In refrigerators and hockey rinks, ammonia is often used as an active refrigerant. Also, it is less commonly used a stimulant during exercise, antimicrobial agent for food products, woodworking(causes wood to change colors), and as a  fuel. Obtain some ammonia for some streak-free windows and for green, healthy grass!

Image Source:

http://www.unoclean.com/Arm-Hammer-84856-Parsons-Ammonia-All-Purpose-Cleaner-Lemon-Fresh-Scent-4-1-Gallon-Bottles.aspx