Lewis Structure Chemistry Example 1

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 1

easy
Draw the Lewis structure for water (H2O\text{H}_2\text{O}).

Solution

  1. 1
    Count total valence electrons: O has 6, each H has 1. Total = 6+2(1)=86 + 2(1) = 8.
  2. 2
    Place O as the central atom with single bonds to each H (uses 4 electrons).
  3. 3
    Distribute remaining 4 electrons as 2 lone pairs on oxygen.
  4. 4
    Check: O has 4 bonding + 4 lone pair = 8 electrons (octet satisfied). Each H has 2 electrons (duet satisfied).

Answer

H–O–H with 2 lone pairs on O\text{H–O–H with 2 lone pairs on O}
Lewis structures show the arrangement of valence electrons in a molecule. Oxygen's two lone pairs and two bonding pairs create the bent shape of water.

About Lewis Structure

A two-dimensional diagram that represents the arrangement of valence electrons around atoms in a molecule, showing bonding pairs as lines between atoms and non-bonding (lone).

Learn more about Lewis Structure →

More Lewis Structure Examples

Example 2 medium

Draw the Lewis structure for carbon dioxide ([formula]).

Example 3 hard

Draw the Lewis structure for the nitrate ion ([formula]). Include formal charges.

Example 4 medium

Draw the Lewis structure for ammonia ([formula]), and state how many lone pairs are on the nitrogen

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