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QuestionChemistry

Which is the correct Lewis structure for hydrogen peroxide, H^2 O^2?
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this chemistry problem step by step, focusing on drawing the correct Lewis structure for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂).

Step 2:
: Determine the total number of valence electrons

- Total valence electrons: $$2 + 12 = 14$$ electrons
- Hydrogen (H): 1 electron × 2 atoms = 2 electrons - Oxygen (O): 6 electrons × 2 atoms = 12 electrons

Step 3:
: Arrange atoms and connect with single bonds

- Initial structure uses $$4$$ electrons (single bonds)
- Place oxygen atoms next to each other - Connect each oxygen to a hydrogen atom

Step 4:
: Distribute remaining electrons

- Each oxygen receives $$3$$ lone pair electron groups
- Add lone pairs to oxygen atoms to complete their octet

Step 5:
: Final Lewis structure

- Each oxygen has $$3$$ lone pairs
- Oxygen-oxygen single bond - Each hydrogen attached to an oxygen with a single bond

Final Answer

\text{H-O-O-H structure with 3 lone pairs on each oxygen} This Lewis structure represents the correct arrangement for hydrogen peroxide, showing single O-O and O-H bonds with complete octets for oxygen atoms.