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 correctly represents the Lewis dot structure for neutral magnesium phosphide (Mg3P2)?

Each Mg atom loses two electrons to form Mg2+ ions, and each P atom gains three electrons to form P3- ions; the structure shows Mg2+ ions and P3- ions with full octets.

Each Mg atom and P atom retain their valence electrons without any transfer or sharing.

Each Mg atom gains two electrons to form Mg2- ions, and each P atom loses three electrons to form P3+ ions.

Each Mg atom shares electrons with P atoms to form covalent bonds, with no ions present.

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Verified step by step guidance

Identify the elements involved: magnesium (Mg) and phosphorus (P). Magnesium is a metal, and phosphorus is a nonmetal.

Determine the typical ionic charges based on their positions in the periodic table: Mg commonly forms Mg^{2+} by losing two electrons, and P commonly forms P^{3-} by gaining three electrons.

Use the formula Mg_3P_2 to balance the charges: 3 Mg^{2+} ions contribute a total charge of +6, and 2 P^{3-} ions contribute a total charge of -6, resulting in a neutral compound.

Draw the Lewis dot structures showing Mg atoms losing their two valence electrons to become Mg^{2+} ions (no dots around Mg), and P atoms gaining three electrons to complete their octet, becoming P^{3-} ions with full octets represented by eight dots around P.

Confirm that the structure represents ionic bonding: Mg^{2+} and P^{3-} ions are held together by electrostatic attraction, not by sharing electrons, so the Lewis structure should show ions rather than covalent bonds.