Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of the neutral compound P2O?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
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Which of the following best represents the Lewis dot structure for methane (CH_4)?
A
A central carbon atom with two double bonds to two hydrogen atoms, and two lone pairs on carbon.
B
A central carbon atom with four lone pairs and no bonds to hydrogen atoms.
C
A central carbon atom with one triple bond to one hydrogen atom and three single bonds to three hydrogen atoms.
D
A central carbon atom with four single bonds to four hydrogen atoms, and no lone pairs on carbon.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of atoms and how they are shared or paired in bonds.
Determine the total number of valence electrons: Carbon has 4 valence electrons, and each hydrogen has 1 valence electron, so for CH_4, total valence electrons = 4 + (4 × 1) = 8 electrons.
Understand that carbon typically forms four single covalent bonds to complete its octet, while hydrogen forms one single bond to fill its duet.
Draw carbon in the center and connect it to four hydrogen atoms with single bonds, using two electrons per bond, which accounts for all 8 valence electrons.
Verify that carbon has no lone pairs and that each hydrogen has a full valence shell (2 electrons), confirming the correct Lewis structure is a central carbon atom with four single bonds to four hydrogen atoms and no lone pairs on carbon.
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