Table of contents

1. Intro to General Chemistry3h 48m
2. Atoms & Elements4h 16m
3. Chemical Reactions4h 10m
4. BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
5. BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions48m
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions3h 53m
7. Gases3h 49m
8. Thermochemistry2h 37m
9. Quantum Mechanics2h 58m
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements3h 9m
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure3h 29m
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory1h 57m
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces2h 23m
14. Solutions3h 1m
15. Chemical Kinetics2h 53m
16. Chemical Equilibrium2h 29m
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium5h 1m
18. Aqueous Equilibrium4h 47m
19. Chemical Thermodynamics1h 50m
20. Electrochemistry2h 42m
21. Nuclear Chemistry2h 36m
22. Organic Chemistry5h 7m
23. Chemistry of the Nonmetals2h 39m
24. Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds3h 16m

11. Bonding & Molecular Structure

Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds

General Chemistry

11. Bonding & Molecular Structure

Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the Lewis dot structure of neutral carbon tetrahydride (CH4)?

Carbon atom in the center with one triple bond to one hydrogen atom and three single bonds to three hydrogen atoms.

Carbon atom in the center with four single bonds to four hydrogen atoms, and no lone pairs on carbon.

Carbon atom in the center with two double bonds to two hydrogen atoms, and two lone pairs on carbon.

Carbon atom in the center with four single bonds to four hydrogen atoms, and two lone pairs on carbon.

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Verified step by step guidance

Recall that the Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of atoms and how they are shared or paired in a molecule.

Determine the total number of valence electrons: Carbon has 4 valence electrons, and each hydrogen has 1 valence electron. For CH4, total valence electrons = 4 + (4 × 1) = 8 electrons.

Arrange the atoms with carbon in the center because it is less electronegative and can form multiple bonds, and place the four hydrogen atoms around it.

Distribute the electrons to form bonds: Each hydrogen needs 2 electrons to complete its duet, so form four single bonds between carbon and each hydrogen atom, using 8 electrons total.

Check the octet rule for carbon: Carbon shares 8 electrons through these four single bonds, satisfying its octet without any lone pairs, confirming the correct Lewis structure is carbon with four single bonds to four hydrogens and no lone pairs.