Question

Draw the Lewis structure of BeCl₂ and then choose the appropriate number of valence electrons on the central atom.

1) 2
2) 4
3) 6
4) 8

Answer 1

The correct answer for the number of valence electrons on the central atom, Be, is: 1) 2.The Lewis structure of BeCl₂ has a central Be atom with no lone pairs, contributing 2 valence electrons through bonds to the two Cl atoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the Lewis structure of BeCl₂, we must first count the total number of valence electrons. Beryllium (Be) has two valence electrons, and each chlorine (Cl) atom has seven valence electrons. BeCl₂ has one Be atom and two Cl atoms, so the total number of valence electrons is (1×2) + (2×7) = 16 valence electrons.

Following the steps for writing Lewis structures, we put the Be atom in the center because it is less electronegative than Cl. We then create a bond between Be and each Cl atom, using two electrons for each bond. After drawing the single bonds, Be has no remaining lone pairs since both of its valence electrons are used for bonding.

Each Cl atom has three lone pairs remaining, which are placed around the atoms. The resulting Lewis structure shows that beryllium, the central atom, ends up with no lone pairs of electrons and is surrounded by two single bonds. Hence, it contributes two electrons to the bonding. The Lewis structure of BeCl₂ consists of Be bonded to two Cl atoms, and the number of valence electrons on the central Be atom is 2 .