Which of the following correctly represents the Lewis dot structure for the beryllium ion, Be^{2+}?

• A. Be with no dots around it
• B. Be with six dots around it
• C. Be with four dots around it
• D. Be with two dots around it

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of an atom or ion as dots around the element's symbol.
2. Determine the number of valence electrons for a neutral beryllium (Be) atom. Beryllium is in group 2 of the periodic table, so it has 2 valence electrons.
3. Consider the charge on the ion, Be^{2+}. A 2+ charge means the atom has lost 2 electrons, so subtract 2 electrons from the neutral atom's valence electrons.
4. Since Be^{2+} has lost both of its valence electrons, it will have zero valence electrons to represent in the Lewis dot structure.
5. Therefore, the Lewis dot structure for Be^{2+} is simply the symbol 'Be' with no dots around it, indicating no valence electrons.