Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct Lewis dot symbol for the calcium ion, Ca^{2+}?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Symbols
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Which of the following is the best Lewis dot symbol for an oxygen atom?
A
O with four dots arranged as two pairs around the symbol
B
O with eight dots arranged as four pairs around the symbol
C
O with two dots placed on opposite sides of the symbol
D
O with six dots arranged as two pairs and two single dots around the symbol
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the Lewis dot symbol represents the valence electrons of an atom as dots placed around the element's chemical symbol.
Determine the number of valence electrons for oxygen. Oxygen is in group 16 (or VIA) of the periodic table, so it has 6 valence electrons.
Distribute these 6 valence electrons as dots around the symbol 'O'. The dots are placed on the four sides (top, bottom, left, right) of the symbol, following Hund's rule: first place one dot on each side before pairing them.
Arrange the 6 dots as two pairs (each pair representing two electrons) and two single dots, so that all 6 valence electrons are represented correctly.
Verify that the Lewis dot symbol does not show more than 8 dots (which would exceed the octet) and that it accurately reflects the valence electron count for oxygen.
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