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Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly represents the Lewis dot structure for the beryllium ion, Be^{2+}?
A
Be with no dots around it
B
Be with six dots around it
C
Be with four dots around it
D
Be with two dots around it
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Recall that the Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of an atom or ion as dots around the element's 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+}. A 2+ charge means the atom has lost 2 electrons, so subtract 2 electrons from the neutral atom's valence electrons.
Since Be^{2+} has lost both of its valence electrons, it will have zero valence electrons to represent in the Lewis dot structure.
Therefore, the Lewis dot structure for Be^{2+} is simply the symbol 'Be' with no dots around it, indicating no valence electrons.