Lewis Structures

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 do you determine the total number of valence electrons in a molecule?

Back

To determine the total number of valence electrons, add the valence electrons of each atom in the molecule. For ions, adjust the total by adding electrons for negative charges or subtracting for positive charges.

Front

What is the significance of lone pairs in Lewis structures?

Back

Lone pairs represent pairs of valence electrons that are not involved in bonding. They can affect the shape and reactivity of the molecule.

Front

How many valence electrons does carbon (C) have?

Back

Carbon has 4 valence electrons.

Front

What is the octet rule?

Back

The octet rule states that atoms tend to bond in such a way that they have eight electrons in their valence shell, achieving a stable electron configuration.

Front

How many bonds can carbon form in a Lewis structure?

Back

Carbon can form four bonds in a Lewis structure.

Front

What is the correct Lewis structure for CH₃Cl?

Back

The correct Lewis structure shows carbon bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one chlorine atom, with appropriate lone pairs on chlorine.

Front

How many valence electrons are in the sulfate ion (SO₄^-2)?

Back

The sulfate ion has 32 valence electrons available for bonding.

Front

What is the Lewis dot structure for fluorine (F₂)?

Back

The Lewis dot structure for F₂ shows two fluorine atoms, each with three lone pairs and a single bond between them.

Front

How do you represent a double bond in a Lewis structure?

Back

A double bond is represented by two lines between the bonded atoms, indicating that two pairs of electrons are shared.