Which of the following represents the correct Lewis dot structure for a neutral nitrogen atom (N)?

• A. N with eight single dots arranged around the symbol
• B. N with three single dots arranged around the symbol
• C. N with five single dots arranged around the symbol
• D. N with two pairs of dots (four dots total) arranged around the symbol

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of an atom as dots around the element's symbol.
2. Determine the number of valence electrons for a neutral nitrogen atom. Nitrogen is in group 15 (or 5A) of the periodic table, so it has 5 valence electrons.
3. Represent each valence electron as a single dot placed around the symbol 'N'. The dots are usually placed one at a time on each side (top, right, bottom, left) before pairing up.
4. Since nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, the correct Lewis dot structure will have 5 single dots arranged around the 'N' symbol, with three sides having one dot each and one side having a pair of dots.
5. Verify that the structure corresponds to a neutral atom by ensuring the total number of dots equals the number of valence electrons (5 for nitrogen) and no charges are indicated.