which diagram shows how the covalent bonds most likely form in a formaldehyde molecule?
which diagram shows how the covalent bonds most likely form in a formaldehyde molecule?
Answer
Answer:
The first diagram (H - C = O with two hydrogens attached to carbon)
Explanation:
Step1: Determine carbon's valence
Carbon has 4 valence electrons and forms 4 covalent bonds.
Step2: Determine oxygen's valence
Oxygen has 6 valence electrons and forms 2 covalent bonds.
Step3: Analyze formaldehyde structure
In formaldehyde ($CH_2O$), carbon is the central atom. It forms a double - bond with oxygen and single - bonds with two hydrogens. The first diagram correctly shows carbon with 4 bonds (2 single to H and 1 double to O) and oxygen with 2 bonds (1 double to C).