Related Problems with Solutions
Problem 2 : Calculate the formal charge on the nitrogen atom in the ammonium ion (NH₄⁺).
Solution :
To calculate the formal charge (FC), use the formula: FC = Valence Electrons - (Number of Bonds + Number of Lone Electrons)
- Valence electrons of N: 5
- Number of bonds: N-H has 4 bonds (each hydrogen contributes 1 bond)
- Number of lone electrons: 0 (since NH₄⁺ has no lone pairs)
FC(N) = 5 - 4 - 0 = +1
So, the formal charge on the nitrogen atom in NH₄⁺ is +1.
