How do I make an electron dot diagram for MgO? (
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To make an electron dot diagram for MgO, also known as a Lewis dot structure, follow these steps:
Step 1: Determine the number of valence electrons for each atom.
- Magnesium (Mg) is in Group 2 of the periodic table, so it has 2 valence electrons.
- Oxygen (O) is in Group 6, so it has 6 valence electrons.
Step 2: Determine the total number of valence electrons.
- In MgO, there is 1 magnesium atom and 1 oxygen atom.
- The total number of valence electrons is the sum of the valence electrons of each atom: 2 + 6 = 8.
Step 3: Place the atoms.
- Since magnesium (Mg) is less electronegative than oxygen (O), we place Mg in the center and O around it.
Step 4: Place the valence electrons.
- Start by placing the pairs of electrons between the atoms as a bonding pair. Each bond consists of 2 electrons.
- Since magnesium needs to lose its 2 valence electrons to achieve stability (reaching a stable electron configuration), we place 2 dots (representing electrons) next to magnesium.
- Since oxygen needs to gain 2 electrons to achieve stability, we place 6 dots (representing electrons) around oxygen, pairing them as much as possible.
The final electron dot diagram for MgO should look like this:
. .
Mg :O:
- The dot represents a valence electron.
- The colon represents a pair of valence electrons (a bonding pair).
Note: In an electron dot diagram, it is conventionally acceptable to pair the dots around the atom until each outermost energy level is filled. However, in reality, electrons are distributed in orbital regions according to the electron configuration principles.