Why does the ammonium cation nh4 1 have 10 valence electrons?

Answer 1

If it's a -1, then that would be adding an electron.

NH = 9 valence electrons (n=5 h=1(4))
4


the -1 would just add an electron.

Answer 2

The ammonium cation is formed when an ammonia molecule donates a lone pair of electrons to a proton, creating a positive charge. The molecule now has 10 valence electrons because the nitrogen atom has three bonds with hydrogen atoms, contributing 6 electrons, and it also has a positive charge.