Which electron-dot (Lewis) structure correctly represents the neutral compound H_2?

• A. H : H
• B. H . . H
• C. H - H
• D. H H

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the Lewis structure represents the valence electrons of atoms and how they are shared or paired in a molecule.
2. Recognize that hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron and needs 1 more electron to complete its duet (2 electrons total) for stability.
3. Since H₂ is a diatomic molecule with two hydrogen atoms, each hydrogen shares its single electron with the other, forming a single covalent bond.
4. Represent this single covalent bond as a pair of shared electrons between the two H atoms, which can be shown as a single line (H - H) or as a pair of dots between them (H : H).
5. Note that the other options either show incorrect electron arrangements (like lone pairs on hydrogen, which is not typical) or no bonding at all, so the correct Lewis structure for H₂ is the one showing a single bond between the two hydrogen atoms.