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QuestionChemistry

"Write the correct Lewis dot structure for O^2. Which statement correctly describes the structure of the whole molecule? A. There is a single bond, a double bond, and six lone pairs. B. There is a single bond and four lone pairs. C. There is a single bond and six lone pairs. D. There is a double bond and six lone pairs."
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this step by step with proper LaTeX formatting:

Step 2:
: Draw the Lewis dot structure for oxygen atoms

O: \quad \ddot{O} \quad \text{(4 non-bonding electrons)}
- Oxygen has 6 valence electrons - Each oxygen atom will have 4 non-bonding electrons (2 lone pairs)

Step 3:
: Form the O₂ molecule bond

:O::O:
- Oxygen atoms share electrons to form a double bond - This leaves 4 lone pairs on each oxygen atom

Step 4:
: Analyze the bond structure

- The molecule has a double bond between oxygen atoms - Each oxygen atom has 4 lone pair electrons (two pairs) - Total lone pairs: 8 electrons (4 on each oxygen)

Step 5:
: Verify the structure matches the given options

- Double bond: ✓ - Six lone pairs: ✓

Final Answer

There is a double bond and six lone pairs. Key Insights: - Oxygen forms a double bond to achieve a stable electron configuration - The double bond allows each oxygen atom to have a complete octet - The structure explains O₂'s paramagnetic properties and bond strength