* Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons.

* Hydrogen (H): Each hydrogen atom has 1 valence electron.

* Total Valence Electrons (without the positive charge): 5 (N) + 4 (H) = 9 valence electrons

* The Positive Charge: The positive charge on the ammonium ion indicates it has lost one electron.

* Final Valence Electrons: 9 (initial) - 1 (lost) = 10 valence electrons

Therefore, NH₄⁺ has 10 valence electrons.

Key Point: The positive charge of the ammonium ion comes from the nitrogen atom donating one of its electrons to form a fourth covalent bond with a hydrogen atom. This creates a stable, tetrahedral structure with a positive charge on the nitrogen.