Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the Lewis dot structure for a neutral molecule of HBr?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
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Which of the following correctly represents the Lewis dot structure for a neutral molecule of HCl?
A
H–Cl with one lone pair on Cl
B
H–Cl with three lone pairs on Cl
C
H–Cl with two lone pairs on Cl
D
H–Cl with no lone pairs on Cl
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that a Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of atoms in a molecule, showing bonding pairs (shared electrons) and lone pairs (non-bonding electrons).
Identify the valence electrons for each atom: Hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron, and Chlorine (Cl) has 7 valence electrons.
Since HCl is a neutral molecule, the total number of valence electrons is 1 (from H) + 7 (from Cl) = 8 electrons.
Form a single bond between H and Cl, which uses 2 electrons (one pair) to connect the atoms. This leaves 6 electrons to be placed as lone pairs on Cl.
Distribute the remaining 6 electrons as three lone pairs on Cl, completing its octet, while H has 2 electrons (a full shell for hydrogen). Thus, the correct Lewis structure is H–Cl with three lone pairs on Cl.
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