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Multiple Choice
Draw the Lewis Dot Structure for CO2 compound.
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Verified step by step guidance
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Identify the total number of valence electrons in the CO2 molecule. Carbon (C) has 4 valence electrons, and each Oxygen (O) has 6 valence electrons. Therefore, the total number of valence electrons is 4 + 6 + 6 = 16.
Determine the central atom in the molecule. Carbon is typically the central atom because it can form multiple bonds and is less electronegative than oxygen.
Arrange the atoms with carbon in the center and oxygen atoms on either side. This forms the basic skeleton of the molecule: O-C-O.
Distribute the valence electrons around the atoms to satisfy the octet rule. Start by placing a pair of electrons between each carbon and oxygen atom to form a bond. Then, distribute the remaining electrons to complete the octets of the oxygen atoms.
Form double bonds between the carbon and each oxygen atom to ensure that all atoms have complete octets. This involves sharing additional pairs of electrons between carbon and each oxygen, resulting in the final Lewis structure with double bonds: O=C=O.