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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the Lewis dot structure for the Be^{2+} ion?
A
Two dots placed around the Be symbol.
B
Four dots placed around the Be symbol.
C
No dots; Be^{2+} has lost both of its valence electrons.
D
Eight dots placed around the Be symbol.
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Recall that Lewis dot structures represent the valence electrons of an atom or ion as dots around the chemical symbol.
Determine the number of valence electrons for a neutral beryllium (Be) atom. Beryllium is in group 2 of the periodic table, so it has 2 valence electrons.
Consider the charge on the ion: Be^{2+} means the beryllium atom has lost 2 electrons, which are its valence electrons.
Since Be^{2+} has lost both of its valence electrons, it has no valence electrons left to represent as dots in the Lewis structure.
Therefore, the Lewis dot structure for Be^{2+} will have no dots around the Be symbol, indicating the absence of valence electrons.