Question

select the lewis structure that most accurately represents selenium dichloride (secl₂). refer to a periodic table.

Explanation:

Selenium (Se) is in Group 16 and has 6 valence electrons. Chlorine (Cl) is in Group 17 and has 7 valence electrons. In $SeCl_2$, selenium is the central atom. Selenium forms single - bonds with two chlorine atoms and has two lone pairs of electrons to complete its octet. Double - bonds are not present as that would give an incorrect electron - count and formal charge distribution. The correct Lewis structure has single bonds between Se and Cl with lone pairs on Se and Cl to satisfy the octet rule.

Answer:

The first structure (top - left in the image) with single bonds between Se and Cl and lone pairs on all atoms is the correct one.