Multiple Choice
Which of the following Lewis structures is the most important (major resonance contributor) for the fulminate ion, CNO⁻?
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Ions
Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the correct Lewis dot structure for the Ca^{2+} ion?
A
Ca^{2+} with two dots
B
Ca^{2+} with eight dots
C
Ca^{2+} with six dots
D
Ca^{2+} with no dots
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that Lewis dot structures represent the valence electrons of an atom or ion as dots around the chemical symbol.
Identify the number of valence electrons in a neutral calcium (Ca) atom. Calcium is in group 2 of the periodic table, so it has 2 valence electrons.
Consider the charge on the ion: Ca^{2+} means the calcium atom has lost 2 electrons.
Since the Ca^{2+} ion has lost its 2 valence electrons, it will have zero valence electrons to represent in the Lewis dot structure.
Therefore, the correct Lewis dot structure for Ca^{2+} is the symbol 'Ca^{2+}' with no dots around it.
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