Question

note: to answer some of the questions, it may help to reference a periodic table. which image shows the proper lewis structure for an atom of oxygen? © 2016 flipswitch © 2016 flipswitch © 2016 flipswitch

Explanation:

Lewis structure represents valence electrons. Oxygen has atomic number 8. Its electron configuration is \(1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{4}\). Valence electrons are \(2s^{2}2p^{4}\), total 6 valence electrons. In Lewis structure, these are shown as dots around the element symbol. The first option has 6 dots around \(O\) which is correct for an oxygen atom. The second option has 4 dots (incorrect). The third option has 2 dots (incorrect). The fourth option \([O]^{2 -}\) is an ion (not an atom).

Answer:

The first image (with 6 dots around \(O\)) shows the proper Lewis structure for an atom of oxygen.