Write the Lewis dot structure of water (H₂O).

To draw the Lewis dot structure of water (H₂O), follow these steps:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Count the Valence Electrons

Water consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The valence electrons are:

• Hydrogen (H): 1 electron each × 2 = 2 electrons
• Oxygen (O): 6 electrons

Total: 2 + 6 = 8 valence electrons

2. Arrange the Atoms

Place the oxygen atom in the center, as it is more electronegative, and bond it to the two hydrogen atoms:

• O
• H - O - H

3. Distribute the Electrons

Start by forming single bonds between the oxygen and each hydrogen atom. Each bond uses 2 electrons:

• O - H (2 electrons)
• O - H (2 electrons)

This uses 4 electrons, leaving you with 4 electrons to distribute.

4. Complete the Octet

Place the remaining 4 electrons around the oxygen atom to complete its octet:

• O has 2 lone pairs (4 electrons) and 2 bonds (4 electrons total).

Final Structure

The final Lewis dot structure for water looks like this:

H:O:H
: :

Each line represents a bond, and the dots represent the lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom.

Summary

The Lewis dot structure of water shows how the atoms are connected and the distribution of electrons, illustrating the molecule's shape and bonding characteristics.