What is the correct name for the molecular compound with the formula NH_3?

• A. Ammonia
• B. Nitrogen hydride
• C. Trinitrogen hydride
• D. Nitrogen trihydride

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements present in the molecular formula NH_3: nitrogen (N) and hydrogen (H).
2. Recognize that NH_3 is a molecular compound composed of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms.
3. Recall the naming conventions for binary molecular compounds: use prefixes to indicate the number of atoms (mono-, di-, tri-, etc.) and add the suffix '-ide' to the second element.
4. Apply the naming rules: 'Nitrogen' for N and 'hydride' for H, with the prefix 'tri-' for three hydrogens, which gives 'Nitrogen trihydride'.
5. Understand that some common molecular compounds have special common names; NH_3 is commonly known as 'Ammonia', which is the correct and widely accepted name.