How do you draw the Lewis structure of N₂?

N₂ has 10 valence electrons. Start with a single bond (2 e⁻). 8 remain. Give each N 3 lone pairs — but then neither has an octet from bonding alone. After forming the triple bond, each N has 1 lone pair (2 electrons), giving each N a total of 8 electrons.

Lewis Structure of N₂ (Nitrogen)

What is the Lewis structure of N₂?

N₂ has 10 valence electrons, 3 bonding electron pairs, and 2 lone pairs. N₂ has 10 valence electrons. Six are shared in a triple bond (N≡N), and each nitrogen has one lone pair. The triple bond makes N₂ extremely stable and inert.

Lewis structure of N₂ (Nitrogen)

Formula	N₂
Name	Nitrogen
Total Valence Electrons	10
Lone Pairs	2
Has Resonance	No
Concept	Multiple Bonds
Difficulty	Intermediate

Step 1: Count Valence Electrons

Each N (Group 5A) has 5: 5 + 5 = 10 total valence electrons.

Step 2: Draw the Skeleton

Start with a single bond (2 e⁻). 8 remain. Give each N 3 lone pairs — but then neither has an octet from bonding alone.

Step 3: Distribute Lone Pairs

After forming the triple bond, each N has 1 lone pair (2 electrons), giving each N a total of 8 electrons.

Step 4: Form Multiple Bonds

Convert 2 lone pairs into bonding pairs, going from a single to a triple bond (N≡N). Each N now has 6 bonding + 2 lone pair = 8 electrons.

Step 5: Check Formal Charges

N: FC = 5 - 2 - ½(6) = 0

Interactive Lewis structure builder with guided walkthroughs and practice quizzes.

Build the N₂ Lewis Structure Step by Step