Question

1. choose the best answer based on the lewis structure.

how many lone pairs are represented in this lewis structure?
1
2
3
none

Explanation:

Step1: Identify lone pairs on O

In the Lewis structure of \( \ce{H_2O} \), the oxygen atom has non - bonding electron pairs (lone pairs). Each pair of dots represents a lone pair. Looking at the structure, the oxygen has two pairs of dots (each pair is two electrons, but we count the number of pairs).

Step2: Count the lone pairs

By visually inspecting the Lewis structure, we can see that there are 2 pairs of lone electrons (lone pairs) on the oxygen atom. The hydrogen atoms have no lone pairs as they only form a single bond with oxygen and have their valence shell filled with 2 electrons from the bond.

Answer:

2 (corresponding to the option "2")