Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis structure of SO_2 in which all atoms obey the octet rule?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
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Which of the following best describes the Lewis dot structure for a neutral molecule of NH3?
A
Nitrogen atom with three single bonds to hydrogen atoms and no lone pairs
B
Nitrogen atom with three single bonds to hydrogen atoms and one lone pair on nitrogen
C
Nitrogen atom with three double bonds to hydrogen atoms and no lone pairs
D
Nitrogen atom with two single bonds to hydrogen atoms and two lone pairs on nitrogen
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: Nitrogen (N) has 5 valence electrons, and each Hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron. For NH3, total valence electrons = 5 + 3(1) = 8 electrons.
Arrange the atoms with Nitrogen as the central atom bonded to three Hydrogens. Each N-H bond represents a pair of shared electrons (2 electrons per bond).
Assign electrons to bonds: 3 N-H single bonds use 6 electrons (3 bonds × 2 electrons each). The remaining 2 electrons (8 total - 6 used) form a lone pair on the Nitrogen atom.
Conclude that the Lewis structure for NH3 has Nitrogen with three single bonds to Hydrogen atoms and one lone pair on Nitrogen, making the molecule neutral and satisfying the octet rule for Nitrogen.
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