Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of neutral SeO_2?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
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Which molecular shape best describes the Lewis structure of methane (CH_4)?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Trigonal planar
C
Linear
D
Bent
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in methane (CH_4), which is carbon (C).
Determine the number of valence electrons around the central atom. Carbon has 4 valence electrons, and each hydrogen atom contributes 1 valence electron, for a total of 8 electrons involved in bonding.
Draw the Lewis structure by placing the carbon atom in the center and forming single bonds with each of the four hydrogen atoms, using 8 electrons (4 bonds × 2 electrons each).
Apply the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory, which states that electron pairs around the central atom will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, leading to a specific molecular geometry.
Recognize that with four bonding pairs and no lone pairs on the central atom, the molecular shape is tetrahedral, where the hydrogen atoms are positioned at the corners of a tetrahedron around the carbon atom.
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