Multiple Choice
Which of the following best represents the Lewis dot structure for a neutral molecule of hydrogen chloride (HCl)?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
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Which electron-dot (Lewis) structure correctly represents the neutral compound calcium oxide?
A
Ca^{2+} :O^{2-}:
B
Ca^{+} :O^{-}:
C
Ca :O:
D
:Ca:O:
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the elements involved and their typical charges. Calcium (Ca) is an alkaline earth metal that commonly forms a +2 cation (Ca^{2+}), and oxygen (O) is a nonmetal that commonly forms a -2 anion (O^{2-}) in ionic compounds.
Step 2: Understand that calcium oxide (CaO) is an ionic compound formed by the transfer of electrons from calcium to oxygen, resulting in Ca^{2+} and O^{2-} ions.
Step 3: Draw the Lewis electron-dot structure by showing calcium with no dots (since it loses its two valence electrons) and oxygen with eight dots (representing a full octet) and a 2- charge to indicate it has gained two electrons.
Step 4: Represent the charges explicitly: write Ca^{2+} without dots and O^{2-} with eight dots around it, indicating the full octet and the negative charge.
Step 5: Confirm that the structure reflects the neutral compound overall, with the +2 charge on calcium balancing the -2 charge on oxygen, resulting in a neutral ionic compound CaO.
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