Which statement below correctly describes the bonds between nitrogen and oxygen in nitrate ion (NO3-)? explain
a
Nitrogen and oxygen have an electronegativity difference of 0.5, so the bond is polar covalent, with nitrogen pulling the electrons toward it.
b
Nitrogen and oxygen have an electronegativity difference of 0.5, so the bond is polar covalent, with oxygen pulling the electrons toward it.
c
Nitrogen and oxygen have an electronegativity difference of 0.5, so the bond is nonpolar covalent.
d
Nitrogen and oxygen have an electronegativity difference of 0.5, so the bond is ionic.
b
Nitrogen and oxygen have an electronegativity difference of 0.5, so the bond is polar covalent, with oxygen pulling the electrons toward it.
Explanation: In the nitrate ion (NO3-), nitrogen is bonded to three oxygen atoms. Oxygen is more electronegative than nitrogen, which means it has a higher ability to attract electrons. As a result, the shared electrons in the nitrogen-oxygen bonds are pulled more towards the oxygen atoms. This creates a polarity in the molecule, with a slight negative charge on the oxygen atoms and a slight positive charge on the nitrogen atom. Therefore, the bond between nitrogen and oxygen is polar covalent, with oxygen pulling the electrons towards it.