Multiple Choice
In a Lewis dot structure for methane (CH_4), how many single covalent bonds are present between the carbon atom and hydrogen atoms?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
Multiple Choice
Which Lewis electron-dot diagram is correctly drawn for a neutral oxygen atom?
A
O with six dots arranged as two pairs and two single dots around the symbol
B
O with two dots placed on opposite sides of the symbol
C
O with eight dots arranged as four pairs around the symbol
D
O with four dots arranged as two pairs around the symbol
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that a neutral oxygen atom has 6 valence electrons because oxygen is in group 16 of the periodic table.
Understand that in a Lewis electron-dot diagram, each valence electron is represented as a dot placed around the chemical symbol of the element.
Remember that the maximum number of dots around an element symbol is 8, representing the octet rule, but for a neutral oxygen atom, only 6 dots should be shown.
Arrange the 6 dots as pairs and single dots around the symbol to represent the valence electrons accurately. Typically, dots are placed one at a time on each side before pairing up.
Verify that the correct Lewis structure for oxygen shows 6 dots: two pairs (4 electrons) and two single dots (2 electrons) arranged around the 'O' symbol.
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