Multiple Choice
In the Lewis dot structure of the neutral compound ClO_2, how many unshared (non-bonding) electrons are present in total?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
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Which of the following Lewis dot structures correctly represents a neutral molecule of water (H_2O)?
A
O atom with two single bonds to H atoms and three lone pairs on O
B
O atom with one double bond to one H atom and one single bond to the other H atom, and one lone pair on O
C
O atom with two single bonds to H atoms and no lone pairs on O
D
O atom with two single bonds to H atoms and two lone pairs on O
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that a Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of atoms in a molecule, showing bonds and lone pairs explicitly.
Determine the total number of valence electrons for the water molecule (H_2O). Oxygen has 6 valence electrons, and each hydrogen has 1, so total electrons = 6 + 2*1 = 8.
Distribute these 8 electrons to satisfy the octet rule for oxygen and duet rule for hydrogen. Each hydrogen needs 2 electrons (a single bond), and oxygen aims for 8 electrons around it.
Draw two single bonds between oxygen and each hydrogen atom, which accounts for 4 electrons. The remaining 4 electrons are placed as two lone pairs on the oxygen atom.
Verify that oxygen has 8 electrons around it (4 from bonds + 4 from lone pairs) and each hydrogen has 2 electrons from the single bond, confirming the correct Lewis structure.
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