Multiple Choice
Which of the following best represents the Lewis dot structure for the ionic compound magnesium oxide (MgO)?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Ions
Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly represents the Lewis dot structure for the beryllium ion Be^{2+}?
A
Six dots around Be, representing a filled p orbital.
B
Four dots around Be, representing a full octet.
C
No dots around Be, since it has lost both valence electrons.
D
Two dots around Be, representing its two valence electrons.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of an atom or ion as dots around the element's symbol.
Determine the number of valence electrons for a neutral beryllium (Be) atom. Beryllium is in group 2, so it has 2 valence electrons.
Consider the charge on the ion Be^{2+}. A 2+ charge means the atom has lost 2 electrons, which are its valence electrons in this case.
Since Be^{2+} has lost both of its valence electrons, it has no valence electrons left to represent as dots in the Lewis structure.
Therefore, the correct Lewis dot structure for Be^{2+} shows no dots around the Be symbol, indicating the absence of valence electrons.
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