Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of the neutral compound NH2F?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the Lewis dot structure for CH4 (methane)?
A
A central carbon atom with four single bonds to four hydrogen atoms, and no lone pairs on carbon.
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 one triple bond to one hydrogen atom and three single bonds to three hydrogen atoms.
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 CH4, 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 to four hydrogen atoms with single bonds, each bond representing a pair of shared electrons.
Verify that carbon has no lone pairs and that all hydrogens have a full valence shell by sharing electrons through these single bonds.
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