Why does one atom of nitrogen form bonds with three atoms of hydrogen to create ammonia (NH_3)?

• A. Because nitrogen is less electronegative than hydrogen and attracts more atoms.
• B. Because nitrogen can only form single bonds with hydrogen atoms.
• C. Because hydrogen atoms each have two valence electrons to share with nitrogen.
• D. Because nitrogen has five valence electrons and needs three more to complete its octet.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the number of valence electrons in a nitrogen atom. Nitrogen is in group 15 of the periodic table, so it has 5 valence electrons.
2. Recall the octet rule, which states that atoms tend to form bonds to have 8 electrons in their valence shell, achieving a stable electron configuration.
3. Determine how many additional electrons nitrogen needs to complete its octet. Since nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, it needs 3 more electrons to reach 8.
4. Understand that each hydrogen atom has 1 valence electron and can share it by forming a single covalent bond with nitrogen, contributing one electron per bond.
5. Conclude that nitrogen forms three single covalent bonds with three hydrogen atoms, sharing electrons to complete its octet and form ammonia (NH_3).