Problem 8 - Chemistry A Guided Inquiry

Question

What is the total number of electrons in the Lewis structure in Model 3 for each molecule: a) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{CO}\) b) \(\mathrm{N}_{2}\) c) \(\mathrm{Cl}_{2}\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The total number of electrons in the Lewis structure in Model 3 for each molecule are: \n a) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{CO}\): 12 electrons \n b) \(\mathrm{N}_{2}\): 10 electrons \n c) \(\mathrm{Cl}_{2}\): 14 electrons.

Step 1: Calculate Total Valence Electrons for H2CO

To determine the number of total valence electrons, identify and add up the valence electrons of each atom in \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{CO}\). Hydrogen has 1 valence electron and there are two Hydrogen atoms, giving a total of 2. Carbon has 4 valence electrons, and Oxygen has 6. Add all these up and the total valence electrons for \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{CO}\) is 12.

Step 2: Calculate Total Valence Electrons for N2

For \(\mathrm{N}_{2}\), Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons and there are two Nitrogen atoms, resulting in a total of 10 valence electrons.

Step 3: Calculate Total Valence Electrons for Cl2

For \(\mathrm{Cl}_{2}\), Chlorine has 7 valence electrons and there are two Chlorine atoms, giving a total of 14 valence electrons.