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Chapter 13: Problem 3

Given the shell model of the atom, suggest a possible reason that Lewis proposed a maximum of two electrons for hydrogen and a maximum of eight for carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine atoms?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The reason Lewis proposed a maximum of two electrons for hydrogen and a maximum of eight for carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine is due to the shell model of the atom. This model explains the electrons' distribution in atom's shells, where the first can hold up to 2 electrons while the second can carry up to 8. By denoting the maximum number of electrons, Lewis's model signifies an atom's tendency to achieve a stable electronic configuration similar to the noble gases.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Shell Model of Atom

In the shell model of atom, electrons are distributed in various energy levels around the nucleus. The first shell nearest to the nucleus can hold up to 2 electrons, the second up to 8, the third up to 8 as well and so on. This corresponds precisely with Lewis's ideas.
02

Observing the Element’s Electrons Configuration

Let's observe the electronic configurations for the elements mentioned. Hydrogen has 1 electron but can hold up to 2 electrons in its first shell. On the other hand, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine are in the second period of the periodic table; hence they have electrons in the second shell. Carbon has 4, nitrogen has 5, oxygen has 6, and fluorine has 7 valence electrons but all can hold up to 8 electrons in the second shell.
03

Concluding the Observation

Therefore, Lewis proposed a maximum of two electrons for hydrogen and a maximum of eight for carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine to represent the capacity of the atoms' outermost shells to hold electrons, which are 2 and 8 respectively. It also implies that atoms tend to obtain the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas - it's either they lose, gain, or share electrons to have full outer shells, leading to chemical stability. The capacity of the atom's outermost shell forms the basis of Lewis's electron dot structure model.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

For each of the following neutral atoms give the core charge. a) Li. b) \(\quad \ddot{C l}\) c) He:

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Revise (as necessary) your checklist that can be used to determine if a Lewis structure for a molecule is correct.

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