Question

To draw a complete lewis structure of one molecule of water, how many electrons must be shown?

Answer 1

Total 8 electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

To draw a complete lewis structure in water molecule we will calculate the total number of valence electrons

Valence electrons:

Two hydrogen atoms: 2 valence electrons (one each)

One oxygen atom : 6 valence electrons

So total there will be 8 electrons that must be shown in the structure.

Out of these 8, four will be involved in two covalent bonds

Rest four will be in the form of two lone pair of electrons on oxygen atom.

Answer 2

In the Lewis structure, each single bond drawn between elements contain two electrons. The electron dots represent the lone pairs. These are the electrons that take part in the reaction. To obey the octet rule, the oxygen must have eight electrons around it. The hydrogen is exempted from this rule. Therefore, you have to show two electrons.