Place the following molecules in order from smallest to largest H−N−H bond angles: NH₄⁺,NH₃,and NH₂^-. A) NH₄⁺

Question

Place the following molecules in order from smallest to largest H−N−H bond angles: NH₄⁺,NH₃,and NH₂^-. A) NH₄⁺ < NH₃ < NH₂^- B) NH₄⁺ < NH₂^- < NH₃ C) NH₂^- < NH₃ < NH₄⁺ D) NH₂^- < NH₄⁺ < NH₃ E) NH₃ < NH₂^- < NH₄⁺

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The bond angle of a molecule is inversely proportional to the electronegativity of its surrounding atoms. Therefore, the decreasing order of H-N-H bond angles would be directly proportional to the increasing electronegativity of surrounding atoms. In this case, the order of increasing electronegativity is S < P < B, and thus the correct answer is NH₂^- < NH₃ < NH₄⁺.

Place the Following Molecules in Order from Smallest to Largest