Question

1. choose the best answer. how many lone pairs of electrons are present in the lewis structure for h₂co? 3 0 2 6

Explanation:

Step1: Identify lone pairs

Lone pairs are non - bonding electron pairs. In the Lewis structure of \(H_2CO\), we look at each atom.
Hydrogen (\(H\)) has 1 valence electron and forms 1 bond (no lone pairs). Carbon (\(C\)) forms 3 bonds (2 with \(H\) and 1 double - bond with \(O\)) and has no lone pairs. Oxygen (\(O\)) has 6 valence electrons. In the double - bond with \(C\), 2 of its electrons are used in bonding. So, the number of non - bonding electrons for \(O\) is \(6 - 2=4\).

Step2: Calculate number of lone pairs

Since a lone pair has 2 electrons, for oxygen, the number of lone pairs is \(\frac{4}{2}=2\).

Answer:

2