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

• A. N with four dots arranged as two pairs
• B. N with five dots arranged as three single dots and one pair
• C. N with six dots arranged as three pairs
• D. N with five dots arranged as two pairs and one single dot

Answer: (B)

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 nitrogen. Nitrogen is in group 15 of the periodic table, so it has 5 valence electrons.
3. Distribute these 5 valence electrons as dots around the symbol 'N'. According to the Lewis structure rules, place one dot on each of the four sides before pairing any electrons.
4. Since nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, place three single dots on three sides and one pair of dots on the remaining side, totaling five dots.
5. Verify that the total number of dots equals the number of valence electrons (5) and that the arrangement follows the rule of placing single electrons first before pairing.