Write formula of the covalent compound, Nitrogen tribromide
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The formula of nitrogen tribromide is NBr₃.
Explanation:
- Covalent bonding occurs when atoms share electrons to achieve a full outer electron shell, typically involving non-metals.
- Nitrogen (N) is a non-metal that has an atomic number of 7, meaning it has 5 electrons in its outer shell and needs 3 more electrons to complete its octet (8 electrons in the outer shell).
- Bromine (Br) is also a non-metal with an atomic number of 35. It has 7 valence electrons and needs one more electron to fill its outer shell.
To form nitrogen tribromide (NBr₃), the nitrogen atom shares its three unpaired electrons with three bromine atoms, each of which shares one of its electrons. This creates a covalent bond between nitrogen and each bromine atom, resulting in the chemical formula NBr₃.
Here, the number “3” in NBr₃ signifies that there are three bromine atoms bonded to one nitrogen atom, with each bond being a covalent bond.
Bonding in NBr₃:
- The nitrogen atom in NBr₃ forms three single bonds with the three bromine atoms.
- The structure of the molecule is typically trigonal pyramidal due to the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom, which creates repulsion and causes the bromine atoms to be arranged around nitrogen in a triangular shape.
This molecule is an example of a simple molecular compound where non-metals share electrons to form a stable structure.
