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27 May, 06:29

What is the total number of electrons shown in this Lewis structure of carbon dioxide?

8

12

16

24

+2
Answers (1)
  1. 27 May, 06:51
    0
    C. 16

    Note that for this explanation all electrons mentioned are those that appear on valence shells only.

    You can look at it in two ways:

    Carbon has 4 electrons, oxygen has 6. You have 1 carbon atom and 2 oxygen atoms.

    Add them together, and you get a total of 16.

    Or you can look at it this way:

    Refer to the Lewis structure of CO2.

    Each oxygen has 2 lone pairs.

    2 oxygens * 2 lone pairs per oxygen * 2 electrons per pair = 8 electrons

    There are 4 bonds total in the Lewis diagram: 1 double bond for each carbon to oxygen.

    4 bonds * 2 electrons per bond = 8 electrons

    Add those together, and you get a total of 16.
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