Question

1. calculate the number of valence electrons in methylene chloride, ch₂cl₂. valence electrons 2) identify the lewis structure that best represents methylene chloride, ch₂cl₂. select the single best answer. a. b. c. d. methods reset my notes lab data show labels

Explanation:

Step1: Determine valence - electrons of each atom

Carbon (C) has 4 valence electrons, hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron, and chlorine (Cl) has 7 valence electrons.

Step2: Calculate total valence - electrons

For \(CH_2Cl_2\), we have 1 C atom, 2 H atoms, and 2 Cl atoms. So the total number of valence electrons is \(4+(1\times2)+(7\times2)=4 + 2+14 = 24\).

Step3: Analyze Lewis - structures

In a correct Lewis structure of \(CH_2Cl_2\), carbon is the central atom. Carbon forms single bonds with 2 hydrogen atoms and 2 chlorine atoms. Each chlorine atom has 3 lone pairs of electrons.

• Structure A: This is the correct Lewis structure. Carbon has 4 single bonds (2 with H and 2 with Cl), and each Cl has 3 lone pairs.
• Structure B: Carbon cannot have a double - bond with Cl in \(CH_2Cl_2\) as carbon has a valence of 4 and this structure violates the octet rule and the bonding pattern of \(CH_2Cl_2\).
• Structure C: The central atom labeled as C has an incorrect number of bonds and lone pairs, and the structure is not a valid representation of \(CH_2Cl_2\).

Answer:

1. 24
2. A.