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NEET CHEMISTRYOrganic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques Medium

Question

In NO3NO_{3}^{-} ion, the number of bond pair and lone pair of electrons on nitrogen atom are respectively:

A

2 and 2

B

3 and 1

C

1 and 3

D

4 and 0

Step-by-Step Solution

To determine the number of bond pairs and lone pairs on the nitrogen atom in the nitrate ion (NO3NO_{3}^{-}), we apply the principles of Lewis structures and covalency. Nitrogen is a second-period element with five valence electrons . In NO3NO_{3}^{-}, the total number of valence electrons is 24 (5 from NN, 18 from three OO atoms, and 1 from the negative charge). The nitrogen atom acts as the central atom and forms four bonds—one double bond and two single bonds—to complete the octets of the surrounding oxygen atoms . This results in 4 bond pairs shared by the nitrogen atom. Because the maximum covalency of nitrogen is 4 and it cannot expand its octet due to the absence of d-orbitals, all available bonding capacity is used, leaving 0 lone pairs on the nitrogen atom .

Exam Context & Concepts Covered

This question aligns with the NEET CHEMISTRY syllabus, specifically targeting concepts from Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques . Mastering this topic is crucial for scoring well in the upcoming medical entrance examinations. Solving conceptually related problems will help you understand the nuances of these concepts and improve your problem-solving speed.

CHEMISTRYOrganic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques numberelectronsnitrogenrespectively

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