Questions: What is the correct Lewis structure for O2?

Transcript text: What is the correct Lewis structure for $\mathrm{O}_{2}$ ?

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Understanding the Lewis Structure of $ \mathrm{O}_2 $

The Lewis structure is a diagram that shows the bonding between atoms of a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist. For $ \mathrm{O}_2 $, we need to consider the valence electrons of oxygen.

Step 2: Determining Valence Electrons

Oxygen has 6 valence electrons. Since there are two oxygen atoms in $ \mathrm{O}_2 $, the total number of valence electrons is $ 6 \times 2 = 12 $.

Step 3: Drawing the Lewis Structure

To satisfy the octet rule, each oxygen atom needs 8 electrons. The two oxygen atoms share two pairs of electrons, forming a double bond. This results in each oxygen atom having 8 electrons in its valence shell (6 from its own and 2 shared).

Step 4: Identifying the Correct Lewis Structure

The correct Lewis structure for $ \mathrm{O}_2 $ is represented as:

\[ \ddot{\mathrm{O}} = \ddot{\mathrm{O}} \]

This structure shows a double bond between the two oxygen atoms, with each oxygen atom having two lone pairs of electrons.