Learn to determine if NH4+ is polar or nonpolar based on the polarity between bonds and the molecular geometry (shape).
Ions, like NH4+ are sometimes confusing because the behave like polar compounds. For example, the are soluble in water. At the same time, they can have symmetrical molecular geometries with an equal distribution or charge.
We’ll start with the polarity between bonds using the electronegativity (EN) values on the Periodic Table provided. After that we’ll look at how the shape of the molecule, based on VSEPR Theory, allows us to determine if the entire molecule is polar or nonpolar.
Lewis Structure for NH4+ : [ Ссылка ]
Molecular Geometry for NH4+ : [ Ссылка ]
If you look at the just Lewis Structure for NH4 + it appears to be a symmetrical molecule. However, to determine if NH4+ is polar we consider the molecular geometry or shape of the molecule.
Polarity results from an unequal sharing of valence electrons. In NH4+ the shape is symmetrical and there is no net (overall) difference in charges. This means NH4 + is a nonpolar molecule.
While the sulfate ion is nonpolar with regards to its molecular geometry and equal distribution of electrons, it does have an overall charge. This overall charge allows it to interact with polar molecules, like water.
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Drawing/writing done in InkScape. Screen capture done with Camtasia Studio 4.0. Done on a Dell Dimension laptop computer with a Wacom digital tablet (Bamboo).
