Question

1. calculate the number of valence electrons in methylene chloride, ch2cl2. 2) identify the lewis structure that best represents methylene chloride, ch2cl2. select the single best answer.

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

In $CH_2Cl_2$, there is 1 C, 2 H, and 2 Cl. So the total number of valence electrons is $4+(1\times2)+(7\times2)=4 + 2+14 = 24$.

Step3: Analyze Lewis - structure rules

Carbon is the central atom. It forms single - bonds with 2 H and 2 Cl atoms. Each single - bond contains 2 electrons. Chlorine atoms have 3 lone pairs of electrons each to satisfy the octet rule.
The correct Lewis structure has carbon in the center with single - bonds to 2 hydrogens and 2 chlorines, and each chlorine has 3 lone pairs. Structure A is correct as it follows these rules.

Answer:

1. 24
2. A. :$\ddot{Cl}$—$\overset{H}{\underset{H}{C}}$—:$\ddot{Cl}$: