Open Question
What are likely formulas for the following molecules?(a) CH₂Clɂ (b) BHɂ (c) NIɂ (d) SiClɂ
10. Chemical Bonding
Bonding Preferences
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How many bonds and lone pairs can be found around Mg atoms?
a) 2, 1 b) 2, 0 c) 3, 1 d) 3, 0
A
2, 1
B
2, 0
C
3, 1
D
3, 0
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the position of magnesium (Mg) in the periodic table. Magnesium is in Group 2, which means it has 2 valence electrons.
Understand that magnesium typically forms ionic bonds by losing its 2 valence electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration similar to the noble gases.
Recognize that when magnesium forms compounds, it usually forms two bonds by donating its two electrons to other atoms, such as in MgCl2 where it forms two ionic bonds with two chloride ions.
Since magnesium loses its valence electrons to form bonds, it does not have any lone pairs of electrons remaining around it.
Conclude that magnesium typically forms 2 bonds and has 0 lone pairs of electrons around it in its common compounds.
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