Lewis Structures (single bonds only)

Front

What is a Lewis structure?

Back

A Lewis structure is a diagram that shows the bonding between atoms of a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist in the molecule.

Front

How many valence electrons does phosphorus (P) have?

Back

Phosphorus has 5 valence electrons.

Front

What is the significance of valence electrons in Lewis structures?

Back

Valence electrons determine how atoms bond with each other and are represented in Lewis structures as dots around the atomic symbols.

Front

What is the octet rule?

Back

The octet rule states that atoms tend to form bonds until they are surrounded by eight valence electrons, achieving a stable electron configuration.

Front

How many bonds can phosphorus (P) typically form?

Back

Phosphorus can typically form three single bonds.

Front

What is the correct Lewis structure for PBr3?

Back

The correct Lewis structure for PBr3 has phosphorus in the center with three bromine atoms bonded to it and one lone pair of electrons on phosphorus.

Front

What is the maximum number of bonds hydrogen (H) can form?

Back

Hydrogen can form only one single bond.

Front

What is a lone pair of electrons?

Back

A lone pair of electrons is a pair of valence electrons that are not shared with another atom and are not involved in bonding.

Front

How do you determine the central atom in a Lewis structure?

Back

The central atom is usually the least electronegative atom or the atom that can form the most bonds.

Front

What is the correct dot diagram for oxygen (O)?

Back

The correct dot diagram for oxygen has six dots representing its six valence electrons, arranged in two lone pairs and two bonding pairs.