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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the correct Lewis dot structure for the neutral compound NH2Cl?
A
Nitrogen is bonded to one hydrogen and two chlorines, with one lone pair on nitrogen.
B
Nitrogen is bonded to two hydrogens and one chlorine, with one lone pair on nitrogen.
C
Nitrogen is bonded to two hydrogens and one chlorine, with no lone pairs on nitrogen.
D
Nitrogen is bonded to three hydrogens and one chlorine, with no lone pairs on nitrogen.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Determine the total number of valence electrons for the molecule NH2Cl. Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, each hydrogen has 1, and chlorine has 7. Add these together to find the total valence electrons available for bonding and lone pairs.
Step 2: Identify the central atom, which is usually the least electronegative element that can form multiple bonds. In NH2Cl, nitrogen is the central atom bonded to hydrogens and chlorine.
Step 3: Arrange the atoms around the central nitrogen atom. Since the formula is NH2Cl, nitrogen should be bonded to two hydrogens and one chlorine atom.
Step 4: Use the total valence electrons to form bonds between nitrogen and the attached atoms. Each bond (single bond) uses 2 electrons. After bonding, assign the remaining electrons as lone pairs, starting with the outer atoms (hydrogen and chlorine) and then on nitrogen if electrons remain.
Step 5: Check the octet rule for nitrogen and chlorine. Nitrogen typically has one lone pair in this molecule to complete its octet, while hydrogens have only 2 electrons each (bonding pair). Confirm that the structure matches the description: nitrogen bonded to two hydrogens and one chlorine, with one lone pair on nitrogen.