Open Question
Draw the Lewis Dot Structure for calcium cyanide, Ca(CN)2.
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Ions
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How many valence electrons should be used in the Lewis structure for the polyatomic ion SO43−?
A
30
B
32
C
28
D
26
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the elements involved in the polyatomic ion SO42−. Sulfur (S) and oxygen (O) are the elements present.
Determine the number of valence electrons for each element. Sulfur (S) is in group 16 of the periodic table and has 6 valence electrons. Oxygen (O) is also in group 16 and has 6 valence electrons.
Calculate the total number of valence electrons for the neutral SO4 molecule. Since there are four oxygen atoms, multiply the valence electrons of oxygen by four: 4 × 6 = 24. Add the valence electrons of sulfur: 24 + 6 = 30.
Account for the charge of the polyatomic ion. The SO42− ion has a charge of -2, which means you need to add 2 more electrons to the total count: 30 + 2 = 32.
Conclude that the total number of valence electrons to be used in the Lewis structure for the SO42− ion is 32.
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