Question

question 3 of 18
points possible: 1.00
write the axe notation for h₂o.
select one:
a. ax₁e₁
b. ax₂e₁
c. ax₂e₂
d. ax₁e₃

Explanation:

To determine the AXE notation for \( \ce{H2O} \), we analyze the central atom (oxygen) and its bonding and lone pairs.

1. Identify the central atom and bonding pairs (X): In \( \ce{H2O} \), the central atom is O. It forms bonds with 2 H atoms, so the number of bonding pairs (X) is 2.
2. Identify lone pairs (E): The oxygen atom has 6 valence electrons. It uses 2 electrons to form single bonds with 2 H atoms (each bond uses 1 electron from O). So, the remaining valence electrons on O are \( 6 - 2 = 4 \), which form 2 lone pairs (since each lone pair has 2 electrons). Thus, the number of lone pairs (E) is 2.
3. AXE notation components: In AXE notation, A is the central atom, X is the number of bonding pairs, and E is the number of lone pairs. For \( \ce{H2O} \), A is O, X = 2 (from 2 O - H bonds), and E = 2 (from 2 lone pairs on O). So the AXE notation is \( \text{AX}_2\text{E}_2 \), which corresponds to option C.

Answer:

C. \( \text{AX}_2\text{E}_2 \)