Multiple Choice
Which of the following best represents the Lewis dot structure for a neutral nitrogen atom?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
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Which of the following represents the correct Lewis dot structure for a neutral phosphorus atom?
A
P with 5 dots arranged around the symbol
B
P with 7 dots arranged around the symbol
C
P with 8 dots arranged around the symbol
D
P with 3 dots arranged around the symbol
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of an atom as dots around the element's symbol.
Determine the number of valence electrons for phosphorus by looking at its group number in the periodic table. Phosphorus is in group 15 (or 5A), which means it has 5 valence electrons.
Draw the symbol 'P' for phosphorus and place 5 dots around it to represent its 5 valence electrons. The dots are usually placed one at a time on each side (top, right, bottom, left) before pairing them.
Verify that the total number of dots equals the number of valence electrons, which should be 5 for a neutral phosphorus atom.
Conclude that the correct Lewis dot structure for a neutral phosphorus atom is the one with 5 dots arranged around the symbol 'P'.
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