QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
"Which is the correct Lewis structure for hydrogen peroxide, H
2
O
2
?
Molecule structure option A has:
An H atom with two electron dots on the left side with a single bond to O
An O atom with an electron dot on top and bottom, with a single bond to another O atom with an electron dot on top and bottom
A. a
B. b
C. c
D. d
E. e"
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Answer
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Step 1:: Understand the problem and recognize that we need to draw the Lewis structure for hydrogen peroxide (H^2O2).
Step 2:: Recall the rules for drawing Lewis structures:
- Count the total number of valence electrons for the molecule. Hydrogen peroxide has 2 hydrogen atoms (1 valence electron each) and 2 oxygen atoms (6 valence electrons each), so there are 18 valence electrons in total. - Place the atoms in a reasonable arrangement. In this case, it's clear that there are two H atoms bonded to two O atoms. - Draw a single bond between the atoms, which uses 2 electrons. Subtract these 4 electrons from the total count. - Place the remaining electrons as lone pairs on the atoms to complete their octets (8 electrons). In this case, each O atom needs 2 more electrons to reach an octet. - If there are still electrons left, distribute them among the atoms as lone pairs.
Step 3:: Draw the Lewis structure.
Hydrogen peroxide Lewis structure: H - O - O - H | \ / | | * *|
Step 4:: Identify the correct option from the choices provided.
Option a does not have the correct number of lone pairs on the oxygen atoms. Option b has the correct number of lone pairs but has a double bond between the oxygen atoms, which is incorrect. Option c has the correct number of lone pairs and a single bond between the oxygen atoms.
Final Answer
The correct Lewis structure for hydrogen peroxide is option C.
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