<p>I am in chem honors. We are doing a worksheet on redox equations. </p>
<p>For NH3, i have N (3-) H(1+). </p>
<p>[typically the first element in a compound is positive, while the second one is negative. Ex: Na(+1)Cl(1-)]. </p>
<p>The general rule is that, when you have two nonmetals, the more electronegative gets the negative number.</p>
<p>However, H (1+) usally only occurs in metal hydroxides.</p>
<p>So, am I correct in stating the N has a 3 - charge and H has a 1+. </p>
<p>MED786</p>
<p>i would say you are right…</p>
<p>NH3 is neutral in charge</p>
<p>but NH4+ has one positive charge</p>
<p>one would think that the only reason why nh4 is positive 1 power is because it has an extra H+ whereas NH3 is neutral with 3 positive charges offset by a 3- of nitrogen. -3 +3=0
N + H3
NH4 -3+ 4= +1
N + H4</p>
<p>I hope that wasn’t too confusing</p>
<p>ahha ok thanks, thats good reasoning. I feel a tad bit more assured.</p>
<p>good reasoning yasin</p>
<p>also, think of it this way.
think of the NH3 as an ionic molecule (i know it isn’t, but just imagine)</p>
<p>N needs 3 electrons to fill up, or get rid of 5.
H can give or receive 1 electron.</p>
<p>3 electrons to give/receive, somethign else can receive 3 electrons.</p>
<p>so H is the +1, N is the -3.</p>
<p>it could work the other way as well, but I believe that’s how its normally accepted.</p>
<p>ok thanks evil and yasin</p>