Which of the following Lewis dot structures best represents carbon dioxide?

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Which of the following Lewis dot structures best represents carbon dioxide?

 

**Carbon Dioxide Lewis Structures**

In the image, there are four Lewis structure representations labeled A, B, C, and D, each depicting a possible configuration of carbon dioxide (CO₂).

1. **Structure A:**
   - The structure shows a linear arrangement with a carbon (C) atom in the center.
   - There are two oxygen (O) atoms, one on each side of the carbon atom.
   - Each oxygen atom forms a double bond with the carbon atom.
   - The oxygen atoms each have two lone pairs of electrons, depicted by dots around them.

2. **Structure B:**
   - This structure incorrectly depicts carbon dioxide.
   - An oxygen atom is in the center, with a carbon atom double-bonded to it on each side.
   - Each carbon atom has two lone pairs, which is not typical for CO₂.

3. **Structure C:**
   - This similarly incorrect structure shows a linear arrangement.
   - The carbon atom is at the center with a triple bond connected to an oxygen atom on either side.
   - Each oxygen atom shows a single lone pair, which does not satisfy the typical valence of oxygen.

4. **Structure D:**
   - This is another incorrect structure for carbon dioxide.
   - It displays an oxygen atom in the center, triple-bonded to carbon atoms on either side.
   - Each carbon atom has two lone pairs of electrons, contrary to typical valence structures.

**Analysis:**
- The correct Lewis structure for carbon dioxide is Structure A, which satisfies the octet rule for each atom involved and represents the actual bonding in CO₂.
Transcribed Image Text:**Carbon Dioxide Lewis Structures** In the image, there are four Lewis structure representations labeled A, B, C, and D, each depicting a possible configuration of carbon dioxide (CO₂). 1. **Structure A:** - The structure shows a linear arrangement with a carbon (C) atom in the center. - There are two oxygen (O) atoms, one on each side of the carbon atom. - Each oxygen atom forms a double bond with the carbon atom. - The oxygen atoms each have two lone pairs of electrons, depicted by dots around them. 2. **Structure B:** - This structure incorrectly depicts carbon dioxide. - An oxygen atom is in the center, with a carbon atom double-bonded to it on each side. - Each carbon atom has two lone pairs, which is not typical for CO₂. 3. **Structure C:** - This similarly incorrect structure shows a linear arrangement. - The carbon atom is at the center with a triple bond connected to an oxygen atom on either side. - Each oxygen atom shows a single lone pair, which does not satisfy the typical valence of oxygen. 4. **Structure D:** - This is another incorrect structure for carbon dioxide. - It displays an oxygen atom in the center, triple-bonded to carbon atoms on either side. - Each carbon atom has two lone pairs of electrons, contrary to typical valence structures. **Analysis:** - The correct Lewis structure for carbon dioxide is Structure A, which satisfies the octet rule for each atom involved and represents the actual bonding in CO₂.
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