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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements best describes the Lewis dot structure for the Fe^{3+} ion?
A
Fe^{3+} has three valence electrons shown as dots around the symbol Fe.
B
Fe^{3+} has eight valence electrons shown as dots around the symbol Fe.
C
Fe^{3+} has no valence electrons shown in its Lewis dot structure.
D
Fe^{3+} has six valence electrons shown as dots around the symbol Fe.
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Recall that Lewis dot structures represent the valence electrons of an atom or ion as dots around the element's symbol.
Determine the number of valence electrons in a neutral iron (Fe) atom. Iron is in group 8 of the transition metals, and its valence electrons are primarily from the 4s and 3d orbitals, typically totaling 8 valence electrons.
Understand that the Fe^{3+} ion means iron has lost 3 electrons, so subtract 3 electrons from the neutral atom's valence electrons to find the valence electrons remaining in Fe^{3+}.
Since Lewis dot structures only show valence electrons, the number of dots around Fe in Fe^{3+} corresponds to the remaining valence electrons after ionization.
Conclude that if Fe loses all its valence electrons to form Fe^{3+}, the Lewis dot structure will show no dots around the Fe symbol, indicating zero valence electrons.