Multiple Choice
Which of the following Lewis dot structures correctly represents a neutral molecule of water (H_2O)?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
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Which of the following best represents the Lewis dot structure for a neutral nitrogen atom?
A
N with five single dots arranged around the symbol
B
N with four single dots arranged around the symbol
C
N with two pairs of dots (four electrons) around the symbol
D
N with three pairs of dots (six electrons) 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 a neutral nitrogen atom. Nitrogen is in group 15 (or 5A) of the periodic table, so it has 5 valence electrons.
Distribute these 5 valence electrons as dots around the nitrogen symbol. According to Lewis structure rules, place one dot on each of the four sides (top, bottom, left, right) before pairing any electrons.
Since nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, place four single dots on four sides and then add the fifth dot by pairing it with one of the single dots, resulting in one pair and three single dots.
Compare the options given: the correct Lewis dot structure for nitrogen should show 5 valence electrons as dots, which corresponds to the nitrogen symbol with five single dots arranged around it (one on each side and one paired).
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