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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about Lewis dot structures for neutral compounds is false?
A
The total number of electrons shown in the Lewis structure equals the sum of the valence electrons for all atoms in the compound.
B
Lewis structures for neutral compounds always show every atom with a complete octet.
C
Single, double, and triple bonds are represented by one, two, or three lines, respectively, between atoms.
D
All valence electrons of the atoms are represented as dots or lines in the Lewis structure.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand what a Lewis dot structure represents. It is a diagram that shows the bonding between atoms of a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist.
Step 2: Recall that for neutral compounds, the total number of electrons shown in the Lewis structure must equal the sum of the valence electrons of all atoms involved. This ensures electron count consistency.
Step 3: Recognize that single, double, and triple bonds are depicted by one, two, or three lines respectively between atoms, representing shared pairs of electrons.
Step 4: Know that all valence electrons, whether involved in bonding or as lone pairs, are represented as dots or lines in the Lewis structure to fully depict electron distribution.
Step 5: Evaluate the statement about every atom having a complete octet. While many atoms follow the octet rule, there are exceptions (such as hydrogen, boron, and molecules with expanded octets), so the statement that Lewis structures for neutral compounds always show every atom with a complete octet is false.