Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is an ionic compound composed of ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3–) ions. All ionic compounds are polar in nature.
The ammonium (NH4+) ion is a non-polar molecular ion. It comprises a nitrogen (N) atom present at the center, surrounded by 4 hydrogen (H) atoms in a symmetrical tetrahedral arrangement and molecular geometry.
Each N-H bond is polar as per an electronegativity difference of 0.84 units between the single covalently bonded nitrogen (E.N = 3.04) and hydrogen (E.N = 2.20) atoms.
However, the four N-H dipole moments get canceled in the symmetrical molecular shape to yield an overall non-polar molecular ion (net µ = 0).
On the other hand, the nitrate (NO3–) ion is trigonal planar in shape with three polar N-O bonds having an electronegativity difference of 0.40 units between the respective nitrogen and oxygen (E.N = 3.44) atoms.
Vishal Goyal is the founder of Topblogtenz, a comprehensive resource for students seeking guidance and support in their chemistry studies. He holds a degree in B.Tech (Chemical Engineering) and has four years of experience as a chemistry tutor. The team at Topblogtenz includes experts like experienced researchers, professors, and educators, with the goal of making complex subjects like chemistry accessible and understandable for all. A passion for sharing knowledge and a love for chemistry and science drives the team behind the website. Let's connect through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-goyal-2926a122b/
Topblogtenz is a website dedicated to providing informative and engaging content related to the field of chemistry and science. We aim to make complex subjects, like chemistry, approachable and enjoyable for everyone.