What is the charge of the ammonia compound (NH3)?

The ammonia molecule (NH3) is neutral, meaning it does not carry a net charge. In its structure, nitrogen has five valence electrons and typically forms three covalent bonds with the hydrogen atoms, each contributing one electron to the shared pairs. This bonding allows nitrogen to achieve a full outer electron shell, mirroring the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas, neon. Since there is no loss or gain of electrons overall, the molecule retains a neutral charge.

Understanding the oxidation states can clarify why the charge is zero. Nitrogen, in ammonium (NH4+), indeed has a +1 charge due to an additional hydrogen ion. However, in ammonia (NH3), the charge distribution results in balanced covalent bonding, resulting in an overall charge of zero. Therefore, ammonia exists as a neutral compound.