QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Which is the correct Lewis structure for fluorine, a group 7A element?
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Answer
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Step 1:: Recall the general rules for drawing Lewis structures.
- Determine the total number of valence electrons in the molecule. For a neutral fluorine atom, there are 7 valence electrons. - Place the atoms in a way that satisfies their octet rule, i.e., each atom should have 8 electrons in its outermost shell (except hydrogen, which needs only 2). - Distribute the remaining valence electrons as lone pairs on the atoms.
Step 2:: Draw the initial Lewis structure for fluorine.
Since there is only one fluorine atom, we will place it in the center and surround it with its 7 valence electrons.
Step 3:: Arrange the electrons in the Lewis structure.
- Place the fluorine atom in the center. - Draw a single line around the fluorine atom to represent the first 2 electrons in its valence shell. - Draw 3 pairs of dots around the fluorine atom to represent the remaining 6 electrons in its valence shell.
Step 4:: Check if the octet rule is satisfied.
In this case, the fluorine atom has 8 electrons in its outermost shell, so the octet rule is satisfied.
Final Answer
The correct Lewis structure for fluorine is: \chemfig{F} with the fluorine atom surrounded by a single line and three pairs of dots, representing its 7 valence electrons.
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