Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct Lewis dot structure for boron trichloride (BCl_3)?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
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Which of the following shows a correct Lewis dot structure for the neutral molecule water (H2O)?
A
O with three single bonds to H, and one lone pair on O
B
O with two single bonds to H, and two lone pairs on O
C
O with one single bond to H, and three lone pairs on O
D
O with two single bonds to H, and no lone pairs on O
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 for the water molecule (H2O). Oxygen has 6 valence electrons, and each hydrogen has 1 valence electron, so total valence electrons = 6 + 2(1) = 8.
Arrange the atoms with oxygen as the central atom bonded to two hydrogens. Each O-H bond represents 2 electrons, so 2 bonds use 4 electrons.
Distribute the remaining electrons as lone pairs on the oxygen atom. Since 4 electrons are used in bonds, 8 - 4 = 4 electrons remain, which form two lone pairs on oxygen.
Verify that each atom has a complete octet or duet: oxygen has 2 bonds (4 electrons) plus 2 lone pairs (4 electrons) totaling 8 electrons, and each hydrogen has 2 electrons from the single bond, satisfying their valence requirements.
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