Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly represents the Lewis dot structure for the nitrite ion, NO_2^-?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Ions
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Which of the following Lewis dot structures correctly represents the ion Cl^-?
A
A chlorine atom surrounded by seven dots and no brackets or charge: Cl•••••••
B
A chlorine atom surrounded by eight dots (representing electrons) and enclosed in brackets with a superscript minus sign: [Cl••••••••]^–
C
A chlorine atom with no dots and no brackets or charge: Cl
D
A chlorine atom surrounded by six dots and enclosed in brackets with a superscript plus sign: [Cl••••••]^+
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that a Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of an atom or ion as dots around the chemical symbol.
Determine the number of valence electrons for a neutral chlorine atom, which is 7, since chlorine is in group 17 of the periodic table.
For the chloride ion (Cl⁻), recognize that it has gained one extra electron, increasing the total valence electrons to 8.
Draw the chlorine symbol (Cl) surrounded by 8 dots to represent these valence electrons, ensuring the dots are placed in pairs around the symbol.
Enclose the entire structure in brackets and add a superscript negative charge (⁻) outside the brackets to indicate the ion's charge.
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