The bond angles of NH3, NH4^+ and NH2^- are in the order : — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Analyze the number of lone pairs on Nitrogen in each species: NH4^+ has 0 lone pairs, NH3 has 1 lone pair, and NH2^- has 2 lone pairs. Step 2: According to VSEPR theory, lone pair-lone pair repulsions are stronger than lone pair-bond pair repulsions, which are stronger than bond pair-bond pair repulsions. Therefore, as the number of lone pairs increases, the bond angle decreases. Step 3: Thus, the bond angle decreases in the order NH4^+ (109.5°) > NH3 (~107°) > NH2^- (~104.5°), matching option (b).