which of the following is the correct lewis structure for water?
which of the following is the correct lewis structure for water?
Answer
Answer:
B. H:$\ddot{O}$:H
Explanation:
Step1: Recall water's formula
Water is $H_2O$.
Step2: Determine valence - electrons
Hydrogen has 1 valence electron, oxygen has 6. Total valence electrons for $H_2O$ is $2\times1 + 6=8$.
Step3: Analyze bonding and lone - pairs
Oxygen is the central atom. Each hydrogen forms a single bond with oxygen. After bonding, oxygen has 2 bonding pairs and 2 lone pairs. The correct Lewis structure shows oxygen with 2 lone pairs and bonded to 2 hydrogens, which is H:$\ddot{O}$:H.