Input interpretation
ammonium cation | structure diagram
Result
Draw the Lewis structure of ammonium cation. Start by drawing the overall structure of the molecule: Count the total valence electrons of the hydrogen (n_H, val = 1) and nitrogen (n_N, val = 5) atoms, including the net charge: 4 n_H, val + n_N, val - n_charge = 8 Calculate the number of electrons needed to completely fill the valence shells for hydrogen (n_H, full = 2) and nitrogen (n_N, full = 8): 4 n_H, full + n_N, full = 16 Subtracting these two numbers shows that 16 - 8 = 8 bonding electrons are needed. Each bond has two electrons, so the above diagram has all the necessary bonds. There are 4 bonds and hence 8 bonding electrons in the diagram. Fill in the remaining unbonded electrons on each atom. In total, there remain 8 - 8 = 0 electrons left to draw. Lastly, fill in the formal charges: Answer: | |