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Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step, following the specified LaTeX formatting guidelines:
Step 2:: Understanding the Chemical Structure
- Total valence electrons: $$6 + 1 = 7$$ electrons
The hydroxide ion (OH) has a specific electronic configuration that determines its charge. Let's break down the ion's composition: - Oxygen (O) has 6 valence electrons - Hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron
Step 3:: Electron Configuration and Charge
- Oxygen typically forms 2 covalent bonds - In the hydroxide ion, oxygen forms one covalent bond with hydrogen - This leaves oxygen with 4 non-bonding electrons - To achieve a stable octet (8 electrons), oxygen needs to gain 1 additional electron
Step 4:: Charge Determination
- It is NOT $$\mathrm{OH}^{2-}$$ because that would require gaining 2 electrons, which is energetically unfavorable
- By gaining 1 electron, the hydroxide ion achieves a - 1 charge
Final Answer
Hydroxide is written as \mathrm{OH}^{-} because it gains 1 electron to complete its electron octet, resulting in a single negative charge.
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