Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the correct Lewis dot structure for the neutral compound H2CO (formaldehyde)?
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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 of CH_4 (methane)?
A
A central carbon atom with one triple bond to a hydrogen atom and three single bonds to hydrogen atoms.
B
A central carbon atom with two double bonds to two hydrogen atoms, and two lone pairs on carbon.
C
A central carbon atom with four single bonds to four hydrogen atoms, and no lone pairs on carbon.
D
A central carbon atom with four lone pairs and no bonds to hydrogen atoms.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of atoms and how they are shared or paired in bonds.
Determine the total number of valence electrons: Carbon has 4 valence electrons, and each hydrogen has 1 valence electron, so for CH_4, total valence electrons = 4 + (4 × 1) = 8 electrons.
Carbon typically forms four covalent bonds to complete its octet, while hydrogen forms one bond to complete its duet (2 electrons).
Draw a central carbon atom and connect it with single bonds to four hydrogen atoms, ensuring each bond represents a pair of shared electrons.
Verify that carbon has 8 electrons around it (4 bonds × 2 electrons each) and that each hydrogen has 2 electrons, with no lone pairs on carbon.
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