Formal Charges
Formal charges have an important role in organic chemistry since this concept helps us to know whether an atom in a molecule is neutral/bears a positive or negative charge. Even if some molecules are neutral, the atoms within that molecule need not be neutral atoms.
Polarity Of Water
In simple chemical terms, polarity refers to the separation of charges in a chemical species leading into formation of two polar ends which are positively charged end and negatively charged end. Polarity in any molecule occurs due to the differences in the electronegativities of the bonded atoms. Water, as we all know has two hydrogen atoms bonded to an oxygen atom. As oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen thus, there exists polarity in the bonds which is why water is known as a polar solvent.
Valence Bond Theory Vbt
Valence bond theory (VBT) in simple terms explains how individual atomic orbitals with an unpaired electron each, come close to each other and overlap to form a molecular orbital giving a covalent bond. It gives a quantum mechanical approach to the formation of covalent bonds with the help of wavefunctions using attractive and repulsive energies when two atoms are brought from infinity to their internuclear distance.
![**Chemistry Quiz: Lewis Structures Question**
**The Lewis Structure for which of the following contains the greatest number of lone pairs of electrons?**
- A) CH₄
- B) HF
- C) F₂
- D) H₂
_Option C (F₂) is highlighted indicating it has been selected._
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**Explanation:**
In order to understand the solution, let's analyze the Lewis structures for each of the molecules:
1. **CH₄ (Methane):**
- Structure: CH₄ has a central carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms.
- Lone Pairs: Carbon has four bonding pairs and no lone pairs. Hydrogen atoms do not have lone pairs in the molecule.
2. **HF (Hydrogen Fluoride):**
- Structure: H─F with one bond between hydrogen and fluorine.
- Lone Pairs: Fluorine has three lone pairs of electrons in addition to the bonding pair with hydrogen.
3. **F₂ (Fluorine):**
- Structure: F─F with one bond between two fluorine atoms.
- Lone Pairs: Each fluorine atom has three lone pairs, for a total of six lone pairs in the molecule.
4. **H₂ (Hydrogen):**
- Structure: H─H with one bond between two hydrogen atoms.
- Lone Pairs: Since hydrogen can have only one bond, it has no lone pairs.
**Conclusion:**
Among the given options, the Lewis structure of F₂ contains the greatest number of lone pairs of electrons, with a total of six lone pairs.
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