Chapter 10, Problem 10.1P

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether oxygen can serve as a central atom or not is to be identified.

Concept introduction:

Lewis structures, or Lewis dot structure, use to show the bonding present between atoms and the lone pair of a molecule. The Lewis-dot structure can also be useful in representing the bond length, bond order of the molecule.

In Lewis structure, the central atom is the one which has the least electronegativity and also can form more than one bond.

Answer to Problem 10.1P

Oxygen can function as a central atom.

Explanation of Solution

Oxygen $\left(1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^4\right)$ belongs to the ${16}^{\text{th}}$ group in the periodic table. It has six valence electrons and needs two electrons to complete its octet. Thus oxygen can form two bond with the two other atoms and can serve as a central atom.

Conclusion

Oxygen can function as a central atom.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether helium can serve as a central atom or not is to be identified.

Concept introduction:

Lewis structures, or Lewis dot structure, use to show the bonding present between atoms and the lone pair of a molecule. The Lewis dot structure can also be useful in representing the bond length, bond order of the molecule.

In Lewis structure, the central atom is the one which has the least electronegativity and also can form more than one bond.

Answer to Problem 10.1P

Helium cannot function as a central atom.

Explanation of Solution

Helium $\left(1s^{2}2s^2\right)$ has its complete octet and it can not participate in the bonding thus helium cannot serve as a central atom.

Conclusion

Helium cannot function as the central atom.

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether fluorine can serve as a central atom or not is to be identified.

Concept introduction:

Lewis structures, or Lewis dot structure, use to show the bonding present between atoms and the lone pair of a molecule. The Lewis dot structure can also be useful in representing the bond length, bond order of the molecule.

In Lewis structure, the central atom is the one which has the least electronegativity and also can form more than one bond.

Answer to Problem 10.1P

Fluorine cannot function as a central atom.

Explanation of Solution

Fluorine $\left(1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^5\right)$ cannot serve as a central atom because it cannot form more than one bond. Also, Fluorine does not have vacant d-orbital thus it cannot expand its octet to make more than one bond.

Conclusion

Fluorine cannot function as a central atom.

(d)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether hydrogen can serve as a central atom or not is to be identified.

Concept introduction:

Lewis structures, or Lewis dot structure, use to show the bonding present between atoms and the lone pair of a molecule. The Lewis dot structure can also be useful in representing the bond length, bond order of the molecule.

In Lewis structure, the central atom is the one which has the least electronegativity and also can form more than one bond.

Answer to Problem 10.1P

Hydrogen cannot function as a central atom.

Explanation of Solution

Hydrogen $\left(1s^1\right)$ is not able to serve as a central atom because it has only one electron in its valence shell and needs only one electron to complete the octet. Thus hydrogen can only able to form one bond.

Conclusion

Hydrogen cannot function as a central atom.

(e)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether Phosphorous can serve as a central atom or not is to be identified.

Concept introduction:

Lewis structures, or Lewis dot structure, use to show the bonding present between atoms and the lone pair of a molecule. The Lewis dot structure can also be useful in representing the bond length, bond order of the molecule.

In Lewis structure, the central atom is the one which has the least electronegativity and also can form more than one bond.

Answer to Problem 10.1P

Phosphorous can function as a central atom.

Explanation of Solution

Phosphorous $\left(1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^3\right)$ belongs to the ${15}^{\text{th}}$ group in the periodic table and have five valence electrons. It needs three more electrons to complete its octet. Thus phosphorus can form three bonds and Hence it can serve as a central atom.

Conclusion

Phosphorous can function as a central atom.