There are three covalent bonds in a molecule of ammonia (NH3).
Explanation:
Ammonia (NH3) is a chemical compound consisting of one nitrogen atom (N) and three hydrogen atoms (H). Nitrogen has five valence electrons and needs three more to achieve a stable octet. Hydrogen has one valence electron and needs one more to achieve a stable duet. Each hydrogen atom shares one electron with the nitrogen atom, forming a covalent bond. Because there are three hydrogen atoms, nitrogen forms three covalent bonds, one with each hydrogen atom. This satisfies the octet rule for nitrogen and the duet rule for each hydrogen. The image within the provided text alludes to the formation of these covalent bonds by sharing electrons between atoms. Although the speaker refers to eight valence electrons, this is likely a misunderstanding or misstatement. Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, and each hydrogen has 1, for a total of 8 electrons involved in bonding and the lone pair. The three covalent bonds are created as these electrons are shared, resulting in the stable ammonia molecule.
