The compound NH3, also known as ammonia, has a total of 8 valence electrons.
Here’s the explanation:
- Nitrogen (N) is in group 15 of the periodic table, which means it has 5 valence electrons.
- Hydrogen (H) is in group 1, so each hydrogen atom has 1 valence electron.
- In NH3, there are three hydrogen atoms bonded to one nitrogen atom.
- Therefore, the total number of valence electrons in NH3 is calculated as follows: 5 (from nitrogen) + 3 × 1 (from each hydrogen) = 8 valence electrons.
This arrangement allows NH3 to form a stable molecule with a trigonal pyramidal shape.