What is the charge of ammonium (NH4)?

The charge of ammonium (NH4) is +1. This can be understood by looking at the composition of the ammonium ion. Ammonium consists of one nitrogen atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms. In this arrangement, nitrogen typically has a valence of +3 when bonded to other elements, but when it forms the ammonium ion, it effectively shares its electrons with the hydrogens.

The hydrogen atoms each have a charge of +1, contributing a total of +4 from the four hydrogens. To maintain the overall stability and neutrality of the molecule, nitrogen contributes a +3 charge when bonding with these four hydrogens. The total charge is therefore +1, making NH4 positively charged.

In terms of its common use, ammonium ions are often found in various chemical reactions, particularly in agriculture as fertilizers. Recognizing the charge is essential for understanding its behavior in ionic compounds and reactions.