For neutral molecules, which statements about covalent lewis structures are true?

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Chemistry

Darius Kemp

15 May, 03:42

For neutral molecules, which statements about covalent lewis structures are true?

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Ashlynn Mahoney · Answer 1

Lewis structures have the distinct characteristic of electron dots drawn around an atom. They represent the valence electrons or the electron located at the outermost shell of the atom that takes part in chemical reactions.

For neutral compounds, they simply add the valence electrons of the individual atoms. This is because it has no charge. Whatever the net charge of the compound is, that would be added, as well.

For example, the HCl atom's valence electrons would be 1 + 7 + 0 = 8. Therefore, you draw 8 electron dots around the HCl compound.