QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
How does the structure of a water molecule demonstrate the octet rule?
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step, explaining how the water molecule demonstrates the octet rule:
Step 2:: Understanding the Octet Rule
The octet rule states that atoms tend to combine in such a way that they each have eight electrons in their valence shell, achieving a stable electron configuration similar to noble gases.
Step 3:: Electron Configuration of Oxygen
- Electron configuration: $$1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{4}
- Oxygen has an atomic number of 8 - Oxygen needs 2 more electrons to complete its octet
Step 4:: Electron Configuration of Hydrogen
- Electron configuration: $$1s^{1}
- Hydrogen has an atomic number of 1 - Hydrogen needs 1 more electron to fill its first shell
Step 5:: Bonding in Water Molecule
- Oxygen forms two covalent bonds with hydrogen atoms - Each hydrogen shares its single electron with oxygen - Oxygen shares two of its electrons with hydrogen atoms
Step 6:: Electron Distribution
\begin{array}{c}
- Oxygen achieves an octet by sharing electrons: 2 \text{ electrons from oxygen} \ + 2 \text{ electrons from hydrogen} \ = 8 \text{ total valence electrons} \end{array}
Step 7:: Molecular Structure
- The water molecule ($$H_{2}O$$) has a bent shape
- Oxygen has two lone pairs and two bonding pairs of electrons - Each hydrogen has a complete electron shell
Final Answer
The water molecule demonstrates the octet rule by oxygen sharing electrons with two hydrogen atoms, resulting in a stable 8 -electron configuration for oxygen, while each hydrogen achieves a complete first shell.
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