Table of contents

1. Intro to General Chemistry3h 48m
2. Atoms & Elements4h 16m
3. Chemical Reactions4h 10m
4. BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
5. BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions48m
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions3h 53m
7. Gases3h 49m
8. Thermochemistry2h 37m
9. Quantum Mechanics2h 58m
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements3h 9m
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure3h 29m
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory1h 57m
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces2h 23m
14. Solutions3h 1m
15. Chemical Kinetics2h 53m
16. Chemical Equilibrium2h 29m
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium5h 1m
18. Aqueous Equilibrium4h 47m
19. Chemical Thermodynamics1h 50m
20. Electrochemistry2h 42m
21. Nuclear Chemistry2h 36m
22. Organic Chemistry5h 7m
23. Chemistry of the Nonmetals2h 39m
24. Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds3h 16m

11. Bonding & Molecular Structure

Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds

General Chemistry

11. Bonding & Molecular Structure

Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following Lewis structures correctly represents formaldehyde (CH2O)?

The central carbon atom is single-bonded to oxygen and single-bonded to each hydrogen; oxygen has two lone pairs.

The central carbon atom is triple-bonded to oxygen and single-bonded to each hydrogen; oxygen has one lone pair.

The central carbon atom is double-bonded to oxygen and double-bonded to one hydrogen; oxygen has three lone pairs.

The central carbon atom is double-bonded to oxygen and single-bonded to each hydrogen; all atoms have complete octets except hydrogen.

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Verified step by step guidance

Recall that formaldehyde (CH2O) consists of one carbon (C), two hydrogens (H), and one oxygen (O) atom. Carbon is the central atom because it can form four bonds.

Determine the total number of valence electrons: Carbon has 4, each hydrogen has 1 (total 2), and oxygen has 6, so total valence electrons = 4 + 2(1) + 6 = 12 electrons.

Arrange the atoms with carbon in the center, single-bonded to each hydrogen, and bonded to oxygen. Then distribute the electrons to satisfy the octet rule for carbon and oxygen, and duet rule for hydrogen.

Check the bonding: Carbon forms a double bond with oxygen to complete its octet (4 bonds total: 2 single bonds to hydrogens and 1 double bond to oxygen). Oxygen has two lone pairs to complete its octet.

Verify that all atoms have complete octets (or duets for hydrogen) and that the total number of electrons used matches the total valence electrons calculated initially.