Which Is The Lewis Structure For H 3 P O 4 H_3PO_4 H 3 ​ P O 4 ​ ?A. :O: | H | P / \:O: :O: | H | H-O-H B. :O: | P / | \H O H | :O: | H-O-H Please Select The Correct Option.

$$

Introduction to Lewis Structures

In chemistry, a Lewis structure is a diagrammatic representation of the valence electrons in a molecule. It is a crucial tool for understanding the bonding and molecular geometry of a compound. The Lewis structure of a molecule is drawn by following a set of rules, which include the octet rule, the duet rule, and the principle of minimum formal charge.

The Molecule $H_3PO_4$

$H_3PO_4$ is a compound composed of hydrogen, phosphorus, and oxygen atoms. It is commonly known as phosphoric acid. The molecule has a central phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms and three hydrogen atoms.

Drawing the Lewis Structure of $H_3PO_4$

To draw the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$, we need to follow the rules of Lewis structures. The first step is to determine the total number of valence electrons in the molecule. The valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom.

• Phosphorus (P) has 5 valence electrons.
• Oxygen (O) has 6 valence electrons.
• Hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron.

The total number of valence electrons in $H_3PO_4$ is: 5 (P) + 4(6) (O) + 3(1) (H) = 5 + 24 + 3 = 32

Step 1: Drawing the Skeleton Structure

The next step is to draw the skeleton structure of the molecule. This involves arranging the atoms in a way that satisfies the valency of each atom.

• Phosphorus (P) is the central atom.
• Oxygen (O) atoms are bonded to the phosphorus atom.
• Hydrogen (H) atoms are bonded to the oxygen atoms.

Step 2: Distributing the Valence Electrons

The next step is to distribute the valence electrons among the atoms in the molecule. This involves forming covalent bonds between the atoms.

• Phosphorus (P) forms single bonds with four oxygen (O) atoms.
• Oxygen (O) atoms form single bonds with the phosphorus (P) atom and a hydrogen (H) atom.

Step 3: Satisfying the Octet Rule

The next step is to satisfy the octet rule, which states that an atom tends to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a full outer energy level with eight electrons.

• Phosphorus (P) has four single bonds with oxygen (O) atoms, which satisfies the octet rule.
• Oxygen (O) atoms have two single bonds with the phosphorus (P) atom and a hydrogen (H) atom, which satisfies the octet rule.

Step 4: Minimizing Formal Charge

The final step is to minimize the formal charge on each atom. Formal charge is the charge on an atom in a molecule, which is calculated by subtracting the number of nonbonding electrons from the number of valence electrons.

• Phosphorus (P) has a formal charge of 0.
• Oxygen (O) atoms have a formal charge of -1.
• Hydrogen (H) atoms have a formal charge of 0.

The Correct Lewis Structure of $H_3PO_4$

Based on the steps outlined above, the correct Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ is:

 :O:   |   H   |  P / \:O: :O:   |  H   |  H-O-H

This Lewis structure satisfies the octet rule, minimizes formal charge, and accurately represents the bonding and molecular geometry of $H_3PO_4$.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ is a crucial tool for understanding the bonding and molecular geometry of the molecule. By following the steps outlined above, we can draw the correct Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$, which satisfies the octet rule, minimizes formal charge, and accurately represents the bonding and molecular geometry of the molecule.

References

• Atkins, P. W., & De Paula, J. (2010). Physical chemistry (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Brown, T. E., & LeMay, H. E. (2014). Chemistry: The Central Science (14th ed.). Pearson Education.
• Petrucci, R. H., Harwood, W. S., & Herring, F. G. (2016). General chemistry: Principles and modern applications (11th ed.). Pearson Education.
  

$$

Q: What is the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$?

A: The Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ is a diagrammatic representation of the valence electrons in the molecule. It is a crucial tool for understanding the bonding and molecular geometry of the compound.

Q: How do I draw the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$?

A: To draw the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$, you need to follow the steps outlined in the previous article. These steps include determining the total number of valence electrons in the molecule, drawing the skeleton structure, distributing the valence electrons, satisfying the octet rule, and minimizing formal charge.

Q: What is the central atom in the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$?

A: The central atom in the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ is phosphorus (P).

Q: How many single bonds does phosphorus (P) form with oxygen (O) atoms?

A: Phosphorus (P) forms four single bonds with oxygen (O) atoms.

Q: What is the formal charge on phosphorus (P) in the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$?

A: The formal charge on phosphorus (P) in the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ is 0.

Q: What is the formal charge on oxygen (O) atoms in the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$?

A: The formal charge on oxygen (O) atoms in the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ is -1.

Q: What is the formal charge on hydrogen (H) atoms in the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$?

A: The formal charge on hydrogen (H) atoms in the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ is 0.

Q: Why is the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ important?

A: The Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ is important because it provides a visual representation of the bonding and molecular geometry of the compound. It is a crucial tool for understanding the chemical properties and behavior of $H_3PO_4$.

Q: Can I use the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ to predict its chemical properties?

A: Yes, you can use the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ to predict its chemical properties. The Lewis structure provides information about the bonding and molecular geometry of the compound, which can be used to predict its chemical behavior.

Q: How can I use the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ to predict its reactivity?

A: You can use the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ to predict its reactivity by analyzing the bonding and molecular geometry of the compound. The Lewis structure provides information about the availability of electrons for bonding, which can be used to predict the reactivity of $H_3PO_4$.

Q: Can I use the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ to predict its physical properties?

A: Yes, you can use the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ to predict its physical properties. The Lewis structure provides information about the molecular geometry and bonding of the compound, which can be used to predict its physical properties such as melting point, boiling point, and density.

Q: How can I use the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ to predict its biological activity?

A: You can use the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ to predict its biological activity by analyzing the bonding and molecular geometry of the compound. The Lewis structure provides information about the availability of electrons for bonding, which can be used to predict the biological activity of $H_3PO_4$.

Q: Can I use the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ to predict its environmental impact?

A: Yes, you can use the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ to predict its environmental impact. The Lewis structure provides information about the molecular geometry and bonding of the compound, which can be used to predict its environmental impact such as its ability to react with other substances and its potential to cause environmental harm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Lewis structure of $H_3PO_4$ is a crucial tool for understanding the bonding and molecular geometry of the compound. It provides a visual representation of the chemical properties and behavior of $H_3PO_4$, which can be used to predict its reactivity, physical properties, biological activity, and environmental impact.