Draw the Lewis structure for each of the following: (6.6)b. H₂NOH N is the central atom)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the total number of valence electrons in the molecule. Hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron, nitrogen (N) has 5, and oxygen (O) has 6. Calculate the total by adding these together.
2. Determine the central atom, which is nitrogen (N) in this case, and arrange the other atoms (H, O, H) around it.
3. Connect the atoms with single bonds initially. Place a single bond between N and each of the other atoms (H, O, H). Each single bond represents 2 electrons.
4. Distribute the remaining valence electrons to satisfy the octet rule for each atom, starting with the most electronegative atom, which is oxygen (O).
5. Check if all atoms have a complete valence shell. If not, consider forming double bonds or adjusting the electron distribution to ensure all atoms satisfy the octet rule, except hydrogen, which is satisfied with 2 electrons.

Key Concepts

Lewis Structures

Lewis structures are diagrams that represent the bonding between atoms in a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist. They use dots to represent valence electrons and lines to indicate bonds between atoms. Understanding how to draw Lewis structures is essential for visualizing molecular geometry and predicting the behavior of molecules in chemical reactions.

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom and are crucial in determining how an atom bonds with others. The number of valence electrons influences the atom's reactivity and the types of bonds it can form. For example, nitrogen has five valence electrons, which allows it to form three bonds in a molecule like H₂NOH.

Molecular Geometry

Molecular geometry refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a molecule. It is influenced by the number of bonds and lone pairs around the central atom, which can affect the molecule's polarity and reactivity. Understanding molecular geometry is important for predicting how molecules will interact in chemical reactions and their physical properties.