QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Draw the Lewis structure for xenon tetrafluoride (XeF₄). How many valence electrons surround the central Xe atom in this structure?
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this step-by-step while following the precise LaTeX and formatting guidelines:
Step 2:: Determine Total Valence Electrons
- Total valence electrons: $$8 + (7 \times 4) = 8 + 28 = 36$$ valence electrons
- F (fluorine): 7 valence electrons × 4 fluorine atoms
Step 3:: Arrange Initial Electron Placement
- Remaining electrons: $$36 - 8 = 28$$ electrons
- Bonds consume: 4 \times 2 = 8 electrons
Step 4:: Distribute Remaining Electrons
- Place $$3$$ lone pairs on each F atom ($$6$$ electrons per F)
- Remaining electrons around central Xe atom
Step 5:: Complete Lewis Structure
- $$2$$ lone pairs on central Xe atom
- Xe atom now has: 8 bonding electrons + 4 lone pair electrons = 12 total electrons
Final Answer
12 valence electrons surround the central Xe atom in XeF₄.
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