Which of the following is the correct Lewis dot structure for a carbon atom?

• A. C with six dots, two on each side
• B. C with eight dots, two on each side
• C. C with two dots, both on the same side
• D. C with four dots, one on each side

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of an atom as dots around the chemical symbol.
2. Determine the number of valence electrons for a carbon atom. Carbon is in group 14 (or IV) of the periodic table, so it has 4 valence electrons.
3. Place one dot on each side of the carbon symbol (top, bottom, left, right) to represent each valence electron individually before pairing any electrons.
4. Understand that placing four dots, one on each side, correctly shows the four unpaired valence electrons of carbon, which is important for bonding.
5. Recognize that having six or eight dots would imply more valence electrons than carbon actually has, and two dots on the same side would not represent the correct distribution of valence electrons.