Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the correct Lewis dot structure for a neutral chlorine atom (Cl)?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
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For the neutral molecule NH3, how many bonding groups and lone pairs are present around the central nitrogen atom?
A
3 bonding groups and 1 lone pair
B
1 bonding group and 3 lone pairs
C
2 bonding groups and 2 lone pairs
D
4 bonding groups and 0 lone pairs
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule NH3, which is nitrogen (N).
Determine the total number of valence electrons for nitrogen. Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons.
Recognize that NH3 has three hydrogen atoms bonded to nitrogen, so there are 3 bonding groups (each N-H bond counts as one bonding group).
Calculate the remaining valence electrons on nitrogen after forming bonds. Since each bond uses 2 electrons (one from N and one from H), nitrogen uses 3 electrons for bonding, leaving 2 electrons (one lone pair) on nitrogen.
Conclude that around the central nitrogen atom, there are 3 bonding groups and 1 lone pair.
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