answer the questions in the table below about the shape of the nitrate (no₃⁻) anion.\nhow many electron…

answer the questions in the table below about the shape of the nitrate (no₃⁻) anion.\nhow many electron groups are around the central nitrogen atom?\nnote: one \electron group\ means one lone pair, one single bond, one double bond, or one triple bond.\nwhat phrase best describes the arrangement of these electron groups around the central nitrogen atom? (you may need to use the scrollbar to see all the choices.)

answer the questions in the table below about the shape of the nitrate (no₃⁻) anion.\nhow many electron groups are around the central nitrogen atom?\nnote: one \electron group\ means one lone pair, one single bond, one double bond, or one triple bond.\nwhat phrase best describes the arrangement of these electron groups around the central nitrogen atom? (you may need to use the scrollbar to see all the choices.)

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Draw Lewis structure

The nitrate ion ($NO_3^-$) has a central nitrogen atom. Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, each oxygen has 6 valence electrons and there is an extra electron due to the - 1 charge. Total valence electrons = 5+3×6 + 1=24. In the Lewis - structure of $NO_3^-$, nitrogen forms one double - bond with one oxygen and single - bonds with the other two oxygen atoms. There are no lone pairs on the central nitrogen atom.

Step2: Count electron groups

The central nitrogen atom has 3 electron groups (one double - bond and two single - bonds).

Step3: Determine electron - group arrangement

According to VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory, when a central atom has 3 electron groups, the electron - group arrangement is trigonal planar.

Answer:

How many electron groups are around the central nitrogen atom? 3 What phrase best describes the arrangement of these electron groups around the central nitrogen atom? trigonal planar