How many covalent bonds are present in a molecule of hydrazoic acid (HN3)?

• A. 3
• B. 4
• C. 2
• D. 5

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Determine the molecular formula and structure of hydrazoic acid (HN3). It consists of one hydrogen atom and three nitrogen atoms connected in a chain.
2. Step 2: Recall that covalent bonds are formed by sharing electron pairs between atoms. In HN3, the hydrogen atom is bonded to one nitrogen atom, and the nitrogen atoms are bonded to each other.
3. Step 3: Draw the Lewis structure of HN3 by counting the total valence electrons: hydrogen has 1, each nitrogen has 5, so total valence electrons = 1 + (3 × 5) = 16 electrons.
4. Step 4: Arrange the atoms with hydrogen at one end and connect the three nitrogen atoms in a chain. Distribute the electrons to satisfy the octet rule for nitrogen atoms and duet for hydrogen, forming single, double, or triple bonds as needed.
5. Step 5: Count the total number of covalent bonds in the Lewis structure, including all single, double, and triple bonds between hydrogen and nitrogen atoms and between nitrogen atoms.