Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the Lewis dot structure of a neutral CH4 molecule?
2
views
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of a neutral NH_3 molecule?
A
Nitrogen is bonded to three hydrogen atoms and has one lone pair of electrons.
B
Nitrogen is bonded to three hydrogen atoms and has no lone pairs of electrons.
C
Nitrogen is bonded to four hydrogen atoms and has no lone pairs of electrons.
D
Nitrogen is bonded to two hydrogen atoms and has two lone pairs of electrons.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of atoms in a molecule, showing bonds and lone pairs explicitly.
Determine the total number of valence electrons in NH_3: Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, and each Hydrogen has 1 valence electron, so total electrons = 5 + 3 \times 1 = 8.
Recognize that Nitrogen typically forms three covalent bonds to complete its octet, and each Hydrogen forms one bond to complete its duet.
Draw three single bonds between Nitrogen and each Hydrogen atom, using 6 electrons (3 bonds \times 2 electrons per bond).
Assign the remaining 2 electrons as a lone pair on the Nitrogen atom, since Nitrogen needs 8 electrons total and the three bonds account for 6 electrons.
5:56mWatch next
Master Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations