What is the charge on the ammonium ion?

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Study for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the charge on the ammonium ion?

Explanation:
Adding a proton to a molecule increases its positive charge, so when ammonia picks up a hydrogen ion it becomes the ammonium ion. Ammonia NH3 is neutral, and accepting H+ adds one positive charge to the system. In NH4+ there are four N–H bonds and no lone pair on nitrogen, which gives nitrogen a formal charge of +1; the whole ion therefore carries a net +1 charge. This is the conjugate acid of ammonia in acid–base chemistry, so the charge is +1.

Adding a proton to a molecule increases its positive charge, so when ammonia picks up a hydrogen ion it becomes the ammonium ion. Ammonia NH3 is neutral, and accepting H+ adds one positive charge to the system. In NH4+ there are four N–H bonds and no lone pair on nitrogen, which gives nitrogen a formal charge of +1; the whole ion therefore carries a net +1 charge. This is the conjugate acid of ammonia in acid–base chemistry, so the charge is +1.

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