For the neutral atoms of nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), and fluorine (F), which of the following lists the correct number of dots in their Lewis electron-dot structures, respectively?

• A. 7 for N, 8 for O, 9 for F
• B. 4 for N, 5 for O, 6 for F
• C. 5 for N, 6 for O, 7 for F
• D. 6 for N, 7 for O, 8 for F

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the number of dots in a Lewis electron-dot structure corresponds to the number of valence electrons in the atom.
2. Determine the group number of each element in the periodic table, as the group number for main-group elements equals the number of valence electrons.
3. Nitrogen (N) is in group 15, so it has 5 valence electrons; Oxygen (O) is in group 16, so it has 6 valence electrons; Fluorine (F) is in group 17, so it has 7 valence electrons.
4. Represent each valence electron as a dot around the element's symbol in the Lewis structure, so N has 5 dots, O has 6 dots, and F has 7 dots.
5. Compare these values to the options given to identify the correct list of dots for the Lewis structures of N, O, and F.