which dot structure is correct for phosphorus?
which dot structure is correct for phosphorus?
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Determine phosphorus's group number
Phosphorus (P) is in group VA. Elements in group VA have 5 valence - electrons.
Step2: Analyze dot - structures
A Lewis dot - structure represents the valence electrons of an atom as dots around the symbol of the element. The correct dot - structure for an atom with 5 valence electrons will have 5 dots around the symbol. The first structure has 3 dots, the second has 10 dots, and the third has 5 dots.
Answer:
The third dot - structure (the one with 5 dots around the 'P') is correct for phosphorus.