PF3 Lewis Structure and Valence Electrons

Dr. B explains how to draw the Lewis structure for PF3. Starting with the valence electrons, phosphorus has 5 and each fluorine has 7, totaling 26 electrons. Phosphorus is placed at the center with three fluorines around it. Electrons are distributed to form bonds and complete the octet for each atom. The structure is verified by checking formal charges, confirming it as the best representation for PF3.

How many valence electrons does Phosphorus have in the PF3 molecule?

• 5

• 3

• 8

• 7

What is the total number of valence electrons in PF3?

• 28

• 18

• 21

• 26

Where is the Phosphorus atom placed in the PF3 Lewis structure?

• On the side

• In the center

• At the bottom

• At the top

How many electrons are initially placed between each atom to form a bond?

• Three

• Two

• One

• Four

What ensures that the PF3 Lewis structure is the best representation?

• Fluorine atoms are closer

• All atoms have an octet

• Phosphorus has more electrons

• Formal charges are ignored