The best Lewis structure for carbon dioxide will have:

The best Lewis structure for carbon dioxide will have:
a. formally charged carbon
b. formally charged oxygen
c. formally charged carbon and oxygen
d. all neutral atoms

Answer:
The best Lewis structure for CO2 has all neutral atoms. The structure has two double bonds between the carbon and oxygen atoms, representing two regions of high electron density around the carbon atom. Preferable Lewis structures minimize formal charges and keep all atoms neutral.

Explanation:
The best Lewis structure for carbon dioxide (CO2) consists of all neutral atoms. This is depicted as follows: O=C=O. Carbon, the central atom, has four valence electrons, and it forms two double covalent bonds with the two oxygen atoms. These double bonds represent two regions of high electron density around the carbon atom. According to the VSEPR theory, these electron density regions arrange themselves oppositely with a bond angle of 180°. This structure follows the guidelines for Lewis structures, where formal charges are minimized, and any non-zero formal charges are preferably on the more electronegative atoms to keep all atoms neutral.

Lewis structures, formal charges, and covalent bonds are essential concepts in understanding these arrangements.

More Questions And Answers:

Leave a Comment