What is the formula of the ammonium ion?

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 formula of the ammonium ion?

Explanation:
When a molecule gains a proton, it becomes positively charged. Ammonia (NH3) can accept a proton to form the ammonium ion. This adds one hydrogen and gives the molecule a positive charge, so the formula is NH4+—four hydrogens attached to nitrogen with an overall +1 charge. Other possibilities like NH3 (neutral), NH4 (neutral, no charge), or NH5+ (too many hydrogens for nitrogen and not possible) don’t match the actual ion formed.

When a molecule gains a proton, it becomes positively charged. Ammonia (NH3) can accept a proton to form the ammonium ion. This adds one hydrogen and gives the molecule a positive charge, so the formula is NH4+—four hydrogens attached to nitrogen with an overall +1 charge. Other possibilities like NH3 (neutral), NH4 (neutral, no charge), or NH5+ (too many hydrogens for nitrogen and not possible) don’t match the actual ion formed.

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