Question

chemical formula so₂
electrons needed 8/2 for each atom
electrons available add up group #s
electrons shared needed minus available

of bonds

electron dot diagram

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate electrons needed

Sulfur (S) and oxygen (O) follow the octet - rule. In $SO_2$, there is 1 S and 2 O atoms. So the total electrons needed is $(1 + 2)\times8=24$.

Step2: Calculate electrons available

Sulfur is in group 6 and oxygen is in group 6. The total electrons available is $6 + 2\times6=18$.

Step3: Calculate electrons shared

Electrons shared = Electrons needed - Electrons available. So, $24−18 = 6$.

Step4: Calculate number of bonds

Since each bond involves 2 electrons, the number of bonds is $\frac{6}{2}=3$.

Step5: Draw electron - dot diagram

The central sulfur atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms. There is one double - bond and one single - bond between S and O, and S has a lone pair of electrons. One oxygen has two lone pairs and the other has three lone pairs (resonance structures exist for $SO_2$).

Answer:

Electrons Needed: 24
Electrons Available: 18
Electrons Shared: 6

of Bonds: 3

Electron Dot Diagram: Central S atom bonded to two O atoms (one double - bond and one single - bond), S has a lone pair, one O has two lone pairs and the other has three lone pairs (resonance exists).