Unit 2 Structures and Properties of Matter

Solutions to Practice Problems in

Chapter 3 Atomic Models and Properties of Atoms

Determining Quantum Numbers

(Student textbook page 179)

1. For the quantum number n = 3, what values of l are allowed, what values of ml are possible,
and how many orbitals are there?

What Is Required?
You need to determine the allowed values of l and ml when the value of n is given.

What Is Given?
You are given the value of the principle quantum number, n = 3.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Use the rules that give the relationships When n = 3, l can be 0, 1, or 2.
among the quantum numbers:
Allowed values for l are 0 to (n - 1).
Allowed values for ml are all integers from When l = 0, ml = 0 (one orbital).
-l to +l. When l = 1, ml can be -1, 0, or +1.
When l = 2, ml can be -2, -1, 0, 1, or 2.
To find the number of orbitals, count the There are 9 orbitals.
total number of possible values for
combinations of l and ml.

Check Your Solution

The total number of orbitals for any given value for n is n2.
Thus, when n = 3, the number of orbitals is 32 = 9.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 1

2. If n = 5 and l = 2, what orbital type is this, what are the possible values for ml, and how many
orbitals are there?

What Is Required?
You need to determine the type of orbital (s, p, d, f) when n and l are given.
You need to determine the possible values of ml when n and l are given.
You need to determine the number of orbitals.

What Is Given?
You are given the values for the principle quantum number and the orbital shape quantum
numbers: n = 5 and l = 2

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

The value of l determines the shape. When n = 5 and l = 2, the orbital is a 5d
When l = 0, the orbital shape is s. orbital.
When l = 1, the orbital shape is p.
When l = 2, the orbital shape is d.
When l = 3, the orbital shape is f.
The value of n is written before the shape
symbol.
The value for l also determines the allowed Since l = 2, ml can be -2, -1, 0, +1, or +2.
values for ml, according to the rule that ml
can be any integer from -l to +l.
The number of orbitals is the number of There are five allowed ml values, so there are
allowed values for ml. Count the number of five orbitals.
values of ml.

Check Your Solution

For any given value of l there are 2l + 1 allowed values of ml and thus 2l + 1 orbitals.
When l = 2, the number of allowed ml values = 2l + 1 = 2(2) + 1 = 5. This is in agreement
with the answers determined.

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3. What are the n, l, and possible ml values for the following orbital types?
a. 2s
b. 3p
c. 5d
d. 4f

What Is Required?
You need to determine the values of n and l and all of the possible values for ml for the given
orbital types.

What Is Given?
The orbital types 2s, 3p, 5d, and 4f are given.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

The number is the n value and the letter is a. 2s: n = 2
the symbol for the l value. b. 3p: n = 3
c. 5d: n = 5
d. 4f: n = 4
Use the rules for writing orbital types. a. 2s: l = 0
The l = 0 orbital has the symbol s. b. 3p: l = 1
The l = 1 orbital has the symbol p. c. 5d: l = 2
The l = 2 orbital has the symbol d. d. 4f: l = 3
The l = 3 orbital has the symbol f.
Use the relationship between l and ml to a. 2s: ml = 0
determine the possible values for ml. b. 3p: ml = -1, 0, +1
Allowed ml values are all integers from -l c. 5d: ml = -2, -1, 0, +1, +2
to +l. d. 4f: ml = -3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3

Check Your Solution

The results are in agreement with all of the rules.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 3

4. What orbital type can be described by the following sets of quantum numbers?
a. n = 2, l = 0, ml = 0
b. n = 5, l = 3, ml = -2

What Is Required?
You need to determine all possible orbital types for the given principal, orbital-shape, and
magnetic quantum numbers.

What Is Given?
You are given the combinations of quantum numbers:
a. n = 2, l = 0, ml = 0
b. n = 5, l = 3, ml = -2

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Write the value of n and then write the a. 2s
symbol for the value of l. The values of ml b. 5f
are not written into the symbols for orbital The values of ml are not written into the
types because they only affect the symbols for orbital types because they only
orientation in space, not the shape of the affect the orientation in space, not the shape of
orbitals. the orbitals.

Check Your Solution

The symbols for the orbital types agree with the given values of the quantum numbers.

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5. How many orbitals are associated with each of the following types?
a. 1s
b. 5f
c. 4f
d. 2p

What Is Required?
You need to determine the number of orbitals associated with the given orbital types.

What Is Given?
You are given the orbital types:
a. 1s
b. 5f
c. 4f
d. 2p

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Determine the value for n. a. 1s: n = 1
The first symbol is the n value. b. 5f: n = 5
c. 4f: n = 4
d. 2p: n = 2
Determine the value for l. a. 1s: n = 1; l = 0
Allowed l values are 0 to (n - 1). b. 5f: n = 5; l = 3
c. 4f: n = 4; l = 3
d. 2p: n = 2; l = 1
Determine the value for ml. a.1s: n = 1; l = 0; ml = 0
Allowed ml values are all integers from -l b. 5f: n = 5; l = 3; ml = -3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3
to +l. c. 4f: n = 4; l = 3; ml = -3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3
d. 2p: n = 2; l = 1; ml = -1, 0, +1
Count the number values for ml to a. 1 possible orbital
determine the total number of orbitals. b. 7 possible orbitals
c.7 possible orbitals
d. 3 possible orbitals

Check Your Solution

The number of orbitals for a given l value is 2l + 1.
a. l = 0: 2(0) + 1 = 1
b. l = 3: 2(3) + 1 = 7
c. l = 3: 2(3) + 1 = 7
d. l = 1: 2(1) + 1 = 3
These values are all in agreement with the answers.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 5

6. What sets of quantum numbers are possible for a 4d orbital? List them.

What Is Required?
You need to list all of the possible sets of quantum numbers for a given orbital type.

What Is Given?
The given orbital type is 4d.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Assign values for n and l based on the For orbital type 4d, n = 4 and l = 2.
orbital type symbol 4d.
List the possible values for ml based on the n = 4, l = 2, and ml = -2
value for l, given that allowed ml values are n = 4, l = 2, and ml = -1
all integers from -l to +l. n = 4, l = 2, and ml = 0
n = 4, l = 2, and ml = +1
n = 4, l = 2, and ml = +2

Check Your Solution

The values of n and l agree with the orbital type 4d. For any l value, the number of possible
orbitals is 2l + 1. Thus, for l = 2, there would be 2(2) + 1 = 5 orbital types. This agrees with
the number of orbital types.

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7. What is one possible value for the missing number in each of the following sets?
a. n = 3, l = 1, ml = ?
b. n = 2, l = ?, ml = -3

What Is Required?
You need to fill numbers into the two sets of quantum numbers that will create allowed sets of
quantum numbers.

What Is Given?
You are given the partial sets of quantum numbers:
a. n = 3, l = 1, ml = ?
b. n = 2, l = ?, ml = -3

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

a. Determine the allowed values for ml a. When l = 1, ml can be -1, 0, or +1.
when l = 1 and choose one. Choose -1. The set of quantum numbers is:
n = 3, l = 1, ml = -1
Sample: n = 3, l = 1, ml = -1
b. Determine the allowed values for l b. When n = 2, l must be 0 or 1. When
when n = 2 and ml = -3 and choose one. ml = -3, l must be 3 or greater. Therefore, there
is no allowed number for l, given that n = 2 and
ml = -3. The values n = 2 and ml = -3 are not
compatable. Therefore, there is no solution.

Check Your Solution

a. The set of quantum numbers are allowed because when n = 3, l can be 0, 1, or 2.So, l = 1 is
allowed. The allowed values for ml are - l to +l. So, the value of ml = -1 is allowed.
b. When n = 2, l can be 0 or 1 because the allowed values for l are 0 to (n - 1). Allowed ml
values are all integers from -l to +l, which means that for l = 0, ml must be 0. For l = 1, ml
must be -1, 0, or +1. Therefore, ml cannot be -3 making n = 2 incompatible with ml = -3.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 7

8. Write two possible sets of quantum numbers for a 6p orbital.

What Is Required?
You need to determine two sets of quantum numbers that correspond to the given orbital type.

What Is Given?
You are given the orbital type 6p.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Determine possible combinations of n and l For orbital type 6d, n = 6 and l = 1.
that correspond to the orbital type 6p.
Determine the possible values for ml that The value of ml can be any integer from
will correspond to the values for n and l that -3 to +3.
you determine. The possible sets of quantum numbers are:
n = 6, l = 1, ml = -1; n = 6, l = 1, ml = 0;
n = 6, l = 1, ml = +1;
Write at least two sets of these quantum Sample answer:
numbers. n = 6, l = 1, ml = -1; n = 6, l = 1, ml = 0;
n = 6, l = 1, ml = +1

Check Your Solution

All of the possible sets of answers are in agreement with the rules for determining allowed
values for ml given l.

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9. The following sets of quantum numbers are not allowed. Identify the problem and change one
number to give an allowed set.
a. n = 1, l = 2, ml = -2
b. n = 4, l = 1, ml = -2

What Is Required?
For each set of quantum numbers, determine which values do not obey the rules. Change one
of the numbers in each set so that the set of numbers will be allowed.

What Is Given?
You are given the sets of quantum numbers:
a. n = 1, l = 2, ml = -2
b. n = 4, l = 1, ml = -2

a. n = 1, l = 2, ml = -2
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
Analyze the given sets of quantum Given that n = 1, the value of l must be 0 since it
numbers in light of the rules for allowed has to be a positive integer less than 1. However,
values of l given n, and allowed values if l = 0, ml cannot be -2 since ml has to be
for ml given l. Determine the values that between -l and +l. So, if l = 0, ml must be 0.
do not conform to the rules.
Change one value to create an allowed The only way to change one value is by setting
set of quantum numbers. n = 3 or higher.
Sample answer: n = 3, l = 2, ml = -2

b. n = 4, l = 1, ml = -2
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
Analyze the given sets of quantum The values of n = 4 and l = 1 are allowed but
numbers in light of the rules for allowed ml cannot be -2 since the magnitude of ml
values for l given n and allowed values for cannot be greater than l.
ml given l. Determine the values that do not
conform to the rules.
Change one value to create an allowed set You could change ml to -1, 0, or +1 to create
of quantum numbers. an allowed set of quantum numbers.
Or, you could change l to 2 or 3, each of which
is compatible with n = 4, and you would not
have to change ml.
Sample answers:
n = 4, l = 2, ml = -2; n = 4, l = 3, ml = -2;
n = 4, l = 1, ml = -1; n = 4, l = 1, ml = 0
n = 4, l = 1, ml = +1

Check Your Solution

All of the examples are in agreement with the rules that describe allowed sets of quantum
numbers.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 9

10. Label each of the following sets of quantum numbers as allowed or not allowed. Identify the
problem for each of the not allowed sets.
a. n = 3, l = 2, ml = 0
b. n = 1, l = 1, ml = -1
c. n = 0, l = 0, ml = 0
d. n = 5, l = 1, ml = 3

What Is Required?
Determine whether each of four sets of quantum numbers is allowed or not allowed.

What Is Given?
You are given the four sets of quantum numbers:
a. n = 3, l = 2, ml = 0
b. n = 1, l = 1, ml = -1
c. n = 0, l = 0, ml = 0
d. n = 5, l = 1, ml = 3

a. n = 3, l = 2, ml = 0
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
Analyze the set of quantum numbers allowed
against the rules for allowed quantum
numbers.
If the set is not allowed, explain why it
does not obey the rules.

b. n = 1, l = 1, ml = -1
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
Analyze the set of quantum numbers not allowed
against the rules for allowed quantum
numbers.
If the set is not allowed, explain why it The value of l must be a positive integer that is
does not obey the rules. less than n. Therefore, when n = 1, l cannot be
1. In addition, if l = 0, then ml must also be
zero.

c. n = 0, l = 0, ml = 0
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
Analyze the set of quantum numbers not allowed
against the rules for allowed quantum
numbers.
If the set is not allowed, explain why it The principle quantum number must be a
does not obey the rules. positive integer greater than 0. Thus, n cannot
be 0.

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d. n = 5, l = 1, ml = 3
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
Analyze the set of quantum numbers not allowed
against the rules for allowed quantum
numbers.
If the set is not allowed, explain why it The value for ml must be between -l and +l.
does not obey the rules. So, when l = 1, ml cannot be 3. It must be -1, 0,
or +1.

Check Your Solution

The answers are all in agreement with the rules.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 11

 Inferring the Characteristics of an Element
(Student textbook pages 188-9)

11. Write complete and condensed electron configurations for yttrium, Y.

What Is Required?
You need to determine the electron configuration for the given element and then write it in
complete and in condensed form.

What Is Given?
You are given the element yttrium, Y.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Determine the atomic number of The atomic number of yttrium is 39. Therefore, the
yttrium which will give you the neutral atom has 39 electrons.
number of electrons in the neutral
atom.
Follow the guidelines for filling Use the order of orbitals shown on page 182 to
orbitals that are given on page 184 of determine the order of filling energy levels
the student textbook. 1s < 2s <2p <3s <3p <4s <3d <4p <5s <4d <5p<....
For each occupied orbital, write the
electron configuration in the form
n(symbol for l)number of electrons in orbital .
The complete electron configuration
includes symbols for all occupied 1s22s22p63s23p64s23d104p65s24d1
orbitals.

Write the symbols, keeping track of

the number of electrons. Stop at 39.
The condensed electron configuration
includes the symbol for the nearest,
smaller noble gas in square brackets
and then the symbols for occupied
orbitals that contain valence
[Kr]5s24d1.
electrons.

The first eight orbital notations are

identical to the noble gas, krypton,
Kr.

Check Your Solution

If you add the values in the exponents of the complete electron configuration you get 39,
which is correct for yttrium. The first eight symbols all have filled orbitals, which is
consistent with noble gases.

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12. Write complete and condensed electron configurations for lead, Pb.

What Is Required?
You need to determine the electron configuration for the given element and then write it in
complete and condensed forms.

What Is Given?
You are given the element lead, Pb.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Determine the atomic number of lead The atomic number of lead is 82 therefore the
which will give you the number of neutral atom has 82 electrons.
electrons in the neutral atom.
Follow the guidelines for filling (1s < 2s <2p <3s <3p <4s <3d <4p <5s <4d
orbitals which are given on page 184 of <5p<...)
the student textbook.
For each occupied orbital, write the 1s22s22p63s23p64s23d104p65s24d105p66s24f145d106p2
electron configuration in the form
n(symbol for l)number of electrons in orbital
The complete electron configuration
includes symbols for all occupied
orbitals.

Write the symbols, keeping track of the

number of electrons. Stop at 82.
The condensed electron configuration [Xe] 6s24f145d106p2
includes the symbol for the nearest,
smaller noble gas in square brackets
and then the symbols for occupied
orbitals that contain valence electrons.
The first eleven orbital notations are
identical to the noble gas, xenon, Xe.

Check Your Solution

If you add the values in the exponents of the complete electron configuration you get 82,
which is correct for lead. The first eleven symbols all have filled orbitals, which is consistent
with noble gases.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 13

13. What elements have the valence electron configuration that is given by ns2?

What Is Required?
Determine which elements have a given electron configuration.

What Is Given?
You are given the electron configuration ns2.
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
Analyze the electron configuration to The principle quantum number n can be any
determine which features are similar and value. The highest orbital within an energy
which can vary. level is the s orbital. Therefore, the elements
must be in the s block of the periodic table.
The s orbital has 2 electrons, which fills the
orbital. The elements must be in the second
column of the s block elements.
Use this information to narrow the range of All of the elements in Group 2 of the periodic
eligible elements. table

Check Your Solution

All elements in Group 2 have two valence electrons. Therefore, they all include s2 in their
electron configuration.

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14. What elements have the valence electron configuration that is given by ns2(n - 1)d3?

What Is Required?
Determine which elements have a given electron configuration.

What Is Given?
You are given the electron configuration ns2(n - 1)d3.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Analyze the electron configuration to The principle quantum number n can have any
determine which features are similar and value. The elements must have valence
which can vary. electrons with a filled s orbital. There must be
three electrons is the d orbital that has a
principle quantum number that is one less than
the principle quantum number of the valence
electrons in the s orbital.
Use this information to narrow the range of The elements will be in the d block. Elements
eligible elements. in only Period 4 and greater have electrons in
d orbitals. Therefore, n must have a value of 4
or higher. In Periods 4 and above, the d
orbitals, with a principle quantum number that
is one less than that of the s orbital, begin to
fill after the s orbital is filled. Therefore, the
elements must have 5 electrons (2 in the s
orbital and 3 in the d orbital). Elements in
Group 5 have five valence electrons.
Therefore, the elements that fit the electron
configuration, ns2(n - 1)d3, are in Group 5 of
Periods 4 and above. These elements are
vanadium, V; niobium, Nb; tantalum, Ta; and
dubnium, Db.

Check Your Solution

All elements in the d block of Group 5 have five valence electrons. Therefore, they all include
d3 in their electron configuration.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 15

15. What are the two exceptions to the guidelines for filling orbitals in Period 4? Draw the partial
orbital diagrams you would expect for them, based on the aufbau principle. Then draw partial
orbital diagrams that represent their actual electron configurations. Finally, explain why the
discrepancy arises.

What Is Required?
You need to find elements which are exceptions to the guidelines for filling orbitals and
explain why they do not fill orbitals according to the guidelines. Draw orbital diagrams of the
theoretical configurations and the correct configurations.

What Is Given?
You are given Period 4 and told that there are two exceptions to the guidelines.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

These data are experimental so you Find a periodic table that contains electron
must find a source of electron configurations or inspect Table 3.5 on page 186 of
configurations and determine those the student text to find the exceptions to the
that have unfilled orbitals that guidelines. You will find that the elements
theoretically are at lower energy chromium, Cr, and Cu, copper, have 4s orbitals with
levels than others that have begun to only one electron even though there are electrons in
fill. the 3d orbitals that should be at a higher energy.
To draw orbital diagrams, draw Cr according to guidelines
boxes for 4s, 3d, and 4p orbitals and
add the correct number of electrons,
first according to the guidelines and
then the correct diagrams. Cr determined experimentally

Cu according to guidelines

Cu determined experimentally

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 Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
To explain why these configurations Comparison of the theoretical and experimental
exist, you must determine a reason orbital diagrams for chromium shows that the 3d
why these exceptions might have orbitals are exactly half filled, whereas in the
overall lower total stability than theoretical diagram, there is no such pattern.
those for which the orbitals fill Therefore, when all of the 3d orbitals are half filled,
according to the general sequence the configuration is more stable than the theoretical
for energy of orbitals. configuration.

Comparison of the theoretical and experimental

orbital diagrams for copper shows that the 3d orbitals
in the experimental diagram are completely filled,
whereas, in the theoretical diagram they are not.
Therefore, completely filling the 3d orbitals must
confer stability on the electron configuration more
than does filling the s orbital.

In summary, when the 3d orbitals are either all half-

filled or all completely filled, the configuration
becomes stable, even if the s orbital is not filled.

Check Your Solution

Cr and Cu are the only elements in Period 4 of the d block elements that have one electron in
the s orbital and at least one or more electrons in the d orbital of the valence electrons.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 17

16. The condensed electron configuration for strontium is [Kr]5s2. Without using a periodic table,
identify the group number to which strontium belongs. Show your reasoning.

What Is Required?
You must determine the group number of an element from its electron configuration without
consulting a periodic table.

What Is Given?
You are given the electron configuration for strontium, [Kr]5s2.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

For all s, p, and d block elements, the Since there are two valence electrons in
number of valence electrons corresponds to strontium, it must be in Group 2.
the group number. The exponents in the
orbital symbols show the number of
electrons that occupy the orbital.

Check Your Solution

A periodic table confirms that strontium is in Group 2.

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17. Identify the following elements and write condensed electron configurations for atoms of each
element.
a. The d-block element in Period 4 with 10 valence electrons.
b. The element in Period 6 with 3 valence electrons.

What Is Required?
You must identify elements given information about the period and the number of valence
electrons. Once the elements are identified, you must write the condensed electron
configuration.

What Is Given?
You are given the data:
a. The d-block element in Period 4 with 10 valence electrons.
b. The element in Period 6 with 3 valence electrons.

a. The d-block element in Period 4 with 10 valence electrons.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
For all elements other than f-block Since there are no f-block elements below
elements, the number of valence electrons Period 6, you can use the number of valence
corresponds to the group number. The electrons to determine the group number.
principle quantum number of the s orbital
corresponds to the period number.
Determine the block and period numbers The element is in Group 10. When you look
and, using a periodic table, find the for the element in Group 10 of Period 4, you
element. will find that it is nickel.
When you know the period, find the noble The noble gas that starts the condensed
gas in the previous period to start the electron configuration is at the end of group 3:
condensed electron configuration. argon, Ar.
Complete the electron configuration by Two of the ten valence electrons fill the 4s
filling orbitals with the valence electrons orbital leaving 8 for the d orbitals. Therefore,
according to the guidelines. the condensed electron configuration for
nickel is [Ar]4s23d8.

b. The element in Period 6 with 3 valence electrons.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
For all elements other than f-block Since the element is in Period 6, it can have f-
elements, the number of valence electrons block electrons. The element has 3 valence
corresponds to the group number. The electrons, indicating that the 6s orbital is
principle quantum number of the s orbital filled.
corresponds to the period number.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 19

 Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
Determine the block and period numbers Analysis of the blocks in the skeleton periodic
and, using a periodic table, find the element. table in Figure 3.20 on page 187 of the student
textbook shows that the third electron in
Periods 6 and 7 enter the (n - 1)d orbital,
before starting to fill the f orbitals.
When you know the period, find the noble When you look for the element in Period 6
gas in the previous period to start the that has three valence electrons, you will find
condensed electron configuration. that it is lanthanum, La. The noble gas at the
end of Period 5 is xenon, Xe.
Complete the electron configuration by The condensed electron configuration for
filling orbitals with the valence electrons lanthanum is [Xe]6s25d1.
according to the guidelines.

Check Your Solution

Consulting a periodic table that includes electron configurations will confirm the electron
configurations.

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18. The condensed electron configuration for titanium is [Ar]4s23d2. Without a periodic table,
identify the period number to which titanium belongs. Show your reasoning.

What Is Required?
You must identify the period number of an element, given its condensed electron
configuration.

What Is Given?
You are given the condensed electron configuration of titanium which is [Ar]4s23d2.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

The principle quantum of the s electrons in Titanium is a Period 4 element.
the condensed electron configuration is the
same as the period number.

The principle quantum number of the s

electrons in the condensed electron
configuration of titanium is 4.

Check Your Solution

The noble gas at the beginning of the condensed electron configuration is argon which is at
the end of Period 3. This is in agreement with the idea that titanium is in Period 4.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 21

19. The condensed electron configuration for arsenic is [Ar]4s23d104p3. Without using a periodic
table, identify the orbital block in the periodic table to which arsenic belongs. Show your
reasoning.

What Is Required?
Given a condensed electron configuration and without using a periodic table, you must
identify the orbital block to which the element belongs.

What Is Given?
You are given the condensed electron configuration of arsenic, [Ar]4s23d104p3.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

For elements other than the exceptions to the The p orbital is the highest energy orbital that
rules for filling orbitals, the only partially is only partially filled. Therefore, arsenic is a
filled orbital of an element identifies the p-block element.
block to which it belongs.

Check Your Solution

Consulting a periodic table that indicates blocks confirms that arsenic is a p-block element.

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20. Without a periodic table, and based on the condensed electron configuration given below,
identify the group number, period number, and orbital block to which each of the following
elements belongs. Show your reasoning.
a. francium, [Rn]7s1
b. tungsten, [Xe]6s24f 145d4
c. antimony, [Kr]5s24d105p3

What Is Required?
Without using a periodic table, you must identify the group number, period number, and the
orbital block to which three elements belong.

What Is Given?
You are given the elements and electron configurations:
a. francium, [Rn]7s1
b. tungsten, [Xe]6s24f 145d4
c. antimony, [Kr]5s24d105p3

a. francium, [Rn]7s1
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
The quantum number in front of the s Since the number 7 is in front of the s orbital
orbital of the valence electrons indicates symbol, francium is in Period 7.
the period number.
The total number of electrons in the s, p, There is a total of one valence electron, so
and d orbitals of the valence electrons francium is in Group 1.
corresponds to the group number.
For elements other than the exceptions to The only partially filled orbital is an s orbital.
the rules for filling orbitals, the only Therefore, francium is an s-block element.
partially filled orbital of an element
identifies the block to which it belongs.

b. tungsten, [Xe]6s24f 145d4

Plan Your Strategy [Act on Your Strategy
The quantum number in front of the s orbital Since the number 6 is in front of the s
of the valence electrons indicates the period orbital symbol for the valence electrons,
number. tungsten is in Period 6.
The total number of electrons in the s, p, and There is a total of six valence electrons
d orbitals of the valence electrons corresponds (2s + 4p) in orbitals other than f orbitals. So,
to the group number. tungsten is in Group 6.
For elements other than the exceptions to the Since the only partially filled orbital in the
rules for filling orbitals, the only partially valence shell is a d orbital, francium is a d-
filled orbital of an element identifies the block element.
block to which it belongs.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 23

 c. antimony, [Kr]5s24d105p3
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
The quantum number in front of the s Since the number 5 is in front of the s orbital
orbital of the valence electrons indicates symbol for the valence electrons, antimony is
the period number. in Period 5.
The total number of electrons in the s, p, There is a total of 15 valence electrons
and d orbitals of the valence electrons (2s + 10d + 3p), none of which are f electrons.
corresponds to the group number. So, antimony is in Group 15.
For elements other than the exceptions to Since the only partially filled orbital valence
the rules for filling orbitals, the only shell is a p orbital, antimony is a p-block
partially filled orbital of an element element.
identifies the block to which it belongs.

Check Your Solution

Consulting a periodic table that includes orbital blocks confirms the answers.

24 MHR ● Chemistry 12 Solutions Manual 978-0-07-106042-4

Solutions to Practice Problems in
Chapter 4 Chemical Bonding and Properties of Matter

Drawing Lewis Structures of Molecules

(Student textbook page 232)

1. Draw the Lewis structure for a molecule of carbon dioxide, CO 2(g).

What Is Required?
You need to draw the Lewis structure for carbon dioxide, CO 2 (g).

What Is Given?
The chemical formula tells you that the molecule consists of one carbon atom and two oxygen
atoms.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Identify the least electronegative atom The least electronegative atom is carbon.
and make it the central atom in the Therefore, it is the central atom.
structure.
Draw a skeleton structure of the carbon O-C-O
atom with one single bond between it
and each of the two oxygen atoms.
Determine the total number of valence  4e  
electrons in all the atoms of the V = 1 C atom  
molecule.  C atom 
 6e  
  2 O atoms  
The carbon atom has four valence  O atom 
electrons, and the oxygen atoms each
have six valence electrons.  4e + 12e 


 16e 
Determine the total number of  8e  
electrons needed for each atom to T = 1 C atom  
achieve noble gas configuration.  C atom 
 8e 
+  2 O atoms  
 O atoms 
 8e  + 16e 
= 24e 

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 25

 Determine the number of shared S = TV
electrons and the resulting number of = 24e   16e 
bonds.
 8e 

S 8
bonds = =  4 covalent bonds
2 2

Draw the structure with any necessary

double or triple bonds. O=C=O

To create four covalent bonds, put a

double bond between the C atom and
each of the O atoms.
Determine the number of non-bonding NB = V  S
electrons and add them as lone pairs to = 16e  8e 
satisfy the octet rule for all atoms.
 8e 
Complete the Lewis structure.

Because there are 8 non-bonding

electrons, there are 4 lone pairs to
place. Put 2 lone pairs on each O atom.

Check Your Solution

Each atom has eight valence electrons which achieves a noble gas configuration. All of the
electrons have been accounted for.

26 MHR ● Chemistry 12 Solutions Manual 978-0-07-106042-4

2. Draw the Lewis structure for a molecule of formaldehyde (methanal), CH 2O(g).

What Is Required?
You need to draw the Lewis structure for formaldehyde (methanal), CH2O(g).

What Is Given?
The chemical formula tells you that there is one carbon atom, two hydrogen atoms, and one
oxygen atom.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Identify the least electronegative atom The least electronegative atom is carbon
and make it the central atom in the therefore it is the central atom.
structure.
Draw a skeleton structure of the carbon
atom with one single bond between it and
each of the other atoms.
Determine the total number of valence  4e  
electrons in all the atoms of the molecule. V = 1 C atom  
 C atom 
 6e  
The carbon atom has four valence  1 O atoms  
electrons, the hydrogen atoms each have  O atom 
one valence electron, and the oxygen  1e  
atom has six valence electrons. +  2 H atoms  
 H atom 
 4e  + 6e  + 2e 
 12e 

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 27

 Determine the total number of electrons  8e  
needed for each atom to achieve noble T = 1 C atom  
 C atom 
gas configuration.
 8e  
  1 O atoms  
 O atom 
 2e  
+  2 H atoms  
 H atom 
 8e  + 8e  + 4e 
 20e 

Determine the number of shared electrons S=TV

and the resulting number of bonds. = 20e   12e 
 8e 

S 8
bonds = =  4 covalent bonds
2 2
Draw the structure with any necessary
double or triple bonds.

Hydrogen cannot form double bonds

because the total number of electrons in
its valence shell must be two. Therefore,
put a double bond between the C atom
and the O atom.
Determine the number of non-bonding NB = V  S
electrons and add them as lone pairs to = 12e  8e 
satisfy the octet rule for all atoms.
 4e
Complete the Lewis structure.

Because there are 4 non-bonding

electrons, there are 2 lone pairs to place.
Put both lone pairs on the O atom.

Check Your Solution

Each atom has a filled outer shell of electrons which achieves a noble gas configuration. The
hydrogen atoms have only two electrons but that is the noble gas configuration of helium. All
of the electrons have been accounted for.

28 MHR ● Chemistry 12 Solutions Manual 978-0-07-106042-4

3. Formic acid, or methanoic acid, HCOOH(ℓ), is found naturally in ant venom. Synthesized
formic acid is used for its antibacterial and preservative properties in a variety of animal
feeds, among other uses. Given that carbon is the central atom of the molecule, with
hydrogen, oxygen, and hydroxyl groups, draw its Lewis structure.

What Is Required?
You need to draw the Lewis structure for a molecule of methanoic acid, HCOOH(ℓ).

What Is Given?
The chemical formula tells you that the molecule consists of one carbon atom, two hydrogen
atoms, and two oxygen atoms.
You are also told that the carbon atom is the central atom and is bonded to a hydrogen atom,
an oxygen atom, and a hydroxyl group.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Draw a skeleton structure of the
carbon atom with one single bond
between it and each of the other
atoms or groups as described.
Determine the total number of  4e  
valence electrons in all the atoms V = 1 C atom  
 C atom 
of the molecule.
 6e  
  2 O atoms  
The carbon atom has four valence  O atom 
electrons, the hydrogen atoms  1e  
each have one valence electron, +  2 H atoms  
 H atom 
and the oxygen atoms have six
valence electrons each.  4e  + 12e  + 2e 
 18e 
Determine the total number of  8e  
electrons needed for each atom to T = 1 C atom  
 C atom 
achieve noble gas configuration.
 8e  
+  2 O atoms  
 O atoms 
 2e  
+  2 H atoms  
 H atoms 
 8e  + 16e  + 4e 
= 28e 

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 29

 Determine the number of shared S=TV
electrons and the resulting = 28e   18e 
number of bonds.
 10e 

S 10
bonds = =  5 covalent bonds
2 2
Draw the structure with any
necessary double or triple bonds.

H atoms cannot form double

bonds. To create five covalent
bonds, put a double bond between
the C atom and the O atom that is
not part of the hydroxyl group.
Put a single bond between the C
atom and one H atom, and
between the O atom and the H
atom of the hydroxyl.
Determine the number of non- NB = V  S
bonding electrons and add them = 18e  10e
as lone pairs to satisfy the octet
rule for all atoms.  8e
Complete the Lewis structure.

Because there are 8 non-bonding

electrons, there are 4 lone pairs to
place. Put two lone pairs on each
O atom.

Check Your Solution

Each atom has a filled outer shell of electrons which achieves a noble gas configuration. The
hydrogen atoms have only two electrons, but that is the noble gas configuration of helium. All
of the electrons have been accounted for.

30 MHR ● Chemistry 12 Solutions Manual 978-0-07-106042-4

4. Draw a Lewis structure for a molecule of bromine pentafluoride, BrF5(ℓ). The central
bromine molecule has an expanded valence.

What Is Required?
You need to draw a Lewis structure for bromine pentafluoride.

What Is Given?
The chemical formula tells you that the molecule consists of one bromine atom and five
fluorine atoms. You are told that the bromine is the central atom and that it has an expanded
valence.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Draw a skeleton structure given that the
bromine is the central atom.

Analyze the atoms to see if there is any Fluorine has seven valence electrons and
obvious reason whether single or double therefore forms single bonds by sharing its one
bonds should form. Draw the bonds unpaired electron with the atom to which it is
accordingly. bonded. Assume that all of the bonds are single
bonds. This leaves each fluorine atom with three
lone pairs. There is no change in the skeleton
structure.
The problem statement did not include Bromine has seven valence electrons and five
anything about co-ordinate covalent are used to form single bonds with the five
bonds so assume there are none, meaning fluorine atoms. The remaining two electrons,
that each atom contributes one electron therefore, form a lone pair.
to each bond. Determine the number of
bromine’s valence electrons that were
used for bonds and how many were not
used. Consider the unused valence
electrons as forming lone pairs.
Complete the Lewis structure.

Add lone pairs to give all of the non-

central atoms a complete octet and to
give bromine the correct number of
valence electrons.

Check Your Solution

Each fluorine atom has an octet of electrons. The bromine atom has twelve valence electrons
and thus has an expanded valence. All valence electrons of all of the atoms are accounted for.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 31

5. Draw a Lewis structure for a molecule of phosphorus pentachloride, PCl5(s).

What Is Required?
You need to draw a Lewis structure for phosphorus pentachloride, PCl5(s) .

What Is Given?
The chemical formula tells you that the molecule consists of one phosphorus atom and five
chlorine atoms.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Identify the least electronegative atom The least electronegative atom is phosphorus.
and make it the central atom in the Therefore, it is the central atom.
structure.
Analyze the remaining atoms to see if The remaining atoms are all chlorine atoms.
any groups might form instead of all of They typically form one single bond with other
the atoms bonding to the central atom. atoms and thus are not likely to form bonds to
each other which would then bond to the central
atom.
Draw a skeleton structure with the least
electronegative atom as the central atom
and attach the remaining atoms according
to your reasoning in the previous step.

Analyze the skeleton structure to Phosphorus is bonded to five atoms, giving it ten
determine whether the central atom must valence electrons. It must have an expanded
have an expanded valence shell. valence.
Analyze the atoms to see if there is any Chlorine typically forms one single bond by
obvious reason whether single or double sharing its only unpaired electron. There should
bonds should form. Draw the bonds not be any double bonds.
accordingly.
The problem statement did not include Phosphorous has five valence electrons and has
anything about co-ordinate covalent used all of them to form single bonds. There are
bonds so assume there are none, meaning no lone pairs.
that each atom contributes one electron to
the bond. Determine the number of
valence electrons on the central atom that
were used for bonds and how many were
not used. Consider the unused valence
electrons as forming lone pairs.

32 MHR ● Chemistry 12 Solutions Manual 978-0-07-106042-4

 Complete the Lewis structure.

Add three lone pairs to each of the

chlorine atoms to give them a complete
octet.

Check Your Solution

Each chlorine atom has an octet of electrons. The phosphorus atom has ten valence electrons
and thus has an expanded valence. All valence electrons of all of the atoms are accounted for.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 33

6. Draw three resonance structures for the NO3-(aq) ion.

What Is Required?
You need to draw three resonance structures for a nitrate ion, NO3-(aq).

What Is Given?
The chemical formula shows that the nitrate ion has one nitrogen atom, three oxygen atoms,
and a charge of 1-.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Identify the least electronegative The least electronegative atom is nitrogen therefore
atom and make it the central atom in it is the central atom.
the structure.
Draw a skeleton structure of the
nitrogen atom with one single bond
between it and each of the other
atoms.

Determine the total number of  5e  

valence electrons in all the atoms of V = 1 N atom  
the molecule.  N atom 
 6e   
  3 O atoms    1e
The nitrogen atom has five valence  O atom 
electrons, and the oxygen atoms each
have six valence electrons. Add one  5e + 18e   1e


electron to account for the charge.  24e

Determine the total number of  8e 
electrons needed for each atom to T = 1 N atom  
achieve noble gas configuration.  N atom 
 8e 
+  3 O atoms  
 O atoms 
 8e + 24e 


= 32e 
Determine the number of shared S=TV
electrons and the resulting number of = 32e   24e 
bonds.
 8e 

S 8
bonds = = 4
2 2

34 MHR ● Chemistry 12 Solutions Manual 978-0-07-106042-4

 Draw the structure with any
necessary double or triple bonds.

There are three covalent bonds in the

skeleton structure and there must be
four bonds in the ion. However, it is
not possible to distinguish among the
oxygen atoms. This is in agreement
with the existence of three resonance
structures. Any of the three oxygen
atoms could be double bonded to the
central nitrogen atom at any given
time.
Determine the number of non- NB = V  S
bonding electrons and add them as = 24e  8e 
lone pairs to satisfy the octet rule for
all atoms.  16e
Complete the Lewis structure.

Because there are 16 non-bonding

electrons, there are 8 lone pairs. Place
two lone pairs on the double bonded
oxygen atom and three long pairs on
each of the two single bonded oxygen
atoms.

Because the structure is an ion with

one negative charge, add brackets to
the structures and negative signs
outside the brackets.

Check Your Solution

Each atom has eight valence electrons which achieves a noble gas configuration. All of the
valence electrons have been accounted for.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 35

7. Draw two resonance structures for a molecule of sulfur dioxide, SO 2(g). An expanded valence
structure has been shown to better agree with experimental observations than resonance
structures. Draw the Lewis structure for SO2(g) with an expanded valence.

What Is Required?
You need to draw two resonance structures and one expanded valence structure for sulfur
dioxide, SO2(g).

What Is Given?
The chemical formula shows that the molecule consists of one sulfur atom and two oxygen
atoms.
You are told that there could be resonance structrures.
You are told that there could be an expanced valence.

Resonance Structure
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
Identify the least electronegative atom and The least electronegative atom is sulfur
make it the central atom in the structure. therefore it is the central atom.
Draw a skeleton structure with the sulfur
atom as the central atom and with one
single bond between it and each of the
oxygen atoms.
Determine the total number of valence  6e  
electrons in all the atoms of the molecule. V = 1 S atom  
 S atom 
The sulfur atom has six valence electrons,  6e  
  2 O atoms  
and the oxygen atoms each have six valence  O atom 
electrons.
 6e  + 12e 
 18e 
Determine the total number of electrons  8e 
needed for each atom to achieve noble gas T = 1 S atom  
configuration.  S atom 
 8e 
+  2 O atoms  
 O atoms 
 8e  + 16e 
= 24e 

36 MHR ● Chemistry 12 Solutions Manual 978-0-07-106042-4

 Determine the number of shared electrons S=TV
and the resulting number of bonds. = 24e   18e 
 6e 

S 6
bonds = = 3
2 2
Draw the structure with any necessary
double or triple bonds.

There are two covalent bonds in the

skeleton structure and there must be three
bonds in the molecule. However, it is not
possible to distinguish between the oxygen
atoms. This is in agreement with the
existence of two resonance structures.
Either of the oxygen atoms could be double
bonded to the central sulfur atom at any
given time.
Determine the number of non-bonding NB = V  S
electrons and add them as lone pairs to = 18e  6e 
satisfy the octet rule for all atoms.
 12e
Complete the Lewis structure.

Since there are 12 non-bonding electrons,

there must be 6 lone pairs. Place two lone
pairs on the double bonded oxygen atom
and three long pairs on each of the single
bonded oxygen atoms.

Expanded Valence
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
Identify the least electronegative atom and The least electronegative atom is sulfur
make it the central atom in the structure. therefore it is the central atom.
Draw a skeleton structure with the sulfur
atom as the central atom and with one
single bond between it and each of the
oxygen atoms.
The problem statement did not include
anything about co-ordinate covalent bonds
so assume there are none, meaning that each
atom contributes one electron to a bond. In
addition, the structure cannot be a resonance

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 37

 structure. Analyze the atoms to see if there
is any obvious reason whether single or
double bonds should form. Draw the bonds
accordingly.

Sulfur has six valence electrons. If two were

used to form bonds (one with each of the
oxygen atoms), there would be four
remaining valence electrons that would
form lone pairs. However, the sulfur atom
would not have an expanded valence. As
well, if the S-O bonds were single bonds,
the two oxygen atoms would only have
seven valence electrons. Because this
cannot be a resonance structure, there
cannot be one single and one double bond.
Therefore, to give the oxygen atoms a
complete octet of electrons, both bonds
must be double bonds.
Determine the number of valence electrons Four of the six valence electrons of the sulfur
on the central atom that were used for bonds atom are used for covalent bonds, thus there
and how many were not used. Consider the are two remaining that will form a lone pair.
unused valence electrons as forming lone This gives sulfur ten valence electrons which
pairs. is an expanded valence. The oxygen atoms
use two of their six valence electrons for
covalent bonds and thus have four remaining
as lone pairs.
Complete the Lewis structure.

Add lone pairs to give all of the non-central

atoms a complete octet and add a lone pair
to the central atom to give it the correct
number of valence electrons.

Check Your Solution

Resonance structure:
Each atom has eight valence electrons which achieves a noble gas configuration. All of the
valence electrons have been accounted for.
Expanded valence:
Each oxygen atom has an octet of electrons. The sulfur atom has ten valence electrons and
thus has an expanded valence. All valence electrons of all of the atoms are accounted for.

38 MHR ● Chemistry 12 Solutions Manual 978-0-07-106042-4

8. Draw three resonance structures for phosgene, CCl2O(g), a toxic gas.

What Is Required?
You need to draw three resonance structures for phosgene, CCl2O(g).

What Is Given?
The chemical formula shows that the molecule consists of one carbon atom, two chlorine
atoms, and one oxygen atom.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Identify the least electronegative atom and The least electronegative atom is carbon.
make it the central atom in the structure. Therefore, carbon is the central atom.
Draw a skeleton structure with the carbon
atom as the central atom and with one
single bond between it and each of the
other atoms.
Determine the total number of valence  4e  
electrons in all the atoms of the molecule. V = 1 C atom  
 C atom 
 6e  
The carbon atom has four valence   1 O atoms  
electrons, the oxygen atom has six valence  O atom 
electrons, and the chlorine atoms each  7e  
have seven valence electrons.   2 Cl atoms  
 Cl atom 
 4e  + 6e   14e 
 24e 
Determine the total number of electrons  8e  
needed for each atom to achieve noble gas T = 1 C atom  
 C atom 
configuration.
 8e  
 1 O atoms  
 O atom 
 8e  
  2 Cl atoms  
 Cl atom 
 8e  + 8e   16e 
 32e 
Determine the number of shared electrons S=TV
and the resulting number of bonds. = 32e   24e 
 8e 

S 8
bonds = = 4
2 2
Draw the structure with any necessary

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 39

 double or triple bonds.

There are three covalent bonds in the

skeleton structure and there must be four
bonds in the ion. However, it is not
possible to distinguish between the
chlorine atoms. As well, there could be a
double bond between the carbon atom and
the oxygen atom. This is in agreement
with the existence of three resonance
structures. Any of the three non-central
atoms could be double bonded to the
central carbon atom at any given time.
Determine the number of non-bonding NB = V  S
electrons and add them as lone pairs to = 24e  8e 
satisfy the octet rule for all atoms.
 16e
Complete the Lewis structure.

Because there are 16 non-bonding

electrons, there are 8 lone pairs. Place two
lone pairs on the double bonded atom and
three long pairs on each of the two single
bonded atoms.

Check Your Solution

Each atom has eight valence electrons, which achieves a noble gas configuration. All of the
valence electrons have been accounted for.

40 MHR ● Chemistry 12 Solutions Manual 978-0-07-106042-4

9. Compounds of Group 18 elements do not form in nature, but chemists can synthesize such
compounds in the lab. One example is xenon tetroxide, XeO 4(g), which contains co-ordinate
covalent bonds. Draw the Lewis structure for a molecule of xenon tetroxide.

What Is Required?
You need to draw the Lewis structure for xenon tetroxide, XeO4(g).

What Is Given?
The chemical formula shows that the molecule consists of one xenon atom and four oxygen
atoms.
You are told that xenon tetroxide has co-ordinate covalent bonds.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Determine the number of valence The xenon atom has eight valence electrons and
electrons on each of the atoms. each of the oxygen atoms has six valence
electrons.
Knowing that there are co-ordinate The xenon atom could donate any or all of its
covalent bonds, analyze the atoms and paired electrons to form co-ordinate covalent
decide which are more likely to donate bonds and end up with an octet of electrons. It
pairs of electrons to form single bonds could not accept pairs of electrons from other
and end up with a complete octet of atoms because that would result in more than an
electrons. Decide which atoms could octet of valence electrons. The oxygen atoms
accept a pair of electrons and end up could donate any or all of their electron pairs to
with a complete octet of electrons. form co-ordinate covalent bonds and each could
accept one pair of electrons from another atom in
the form of a co-ordinate covalent bond and end
up with an octet of electrons.
Draw the Lewis structure in accordance Separate atoms: Lewis structure:
with your analysis.

Each oxygen atom could accept a pair

of electrons from the xenon atom to
form co-ordinate covalent bonds and all
atoms would have an octet of electrons.

Check Your Solution

All four bonds are co-ordinate covalent bonds and each atom has an octet of electrons.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 41

10. Draw a Lewis structure or structures for the carbonate ion. Consider the possibility of co-
ordinate covalent bonds and/or resonance structures.

What Is Required?
You need to draw a Lewis structure or structures for the carbonate ion.

What Is Given?
You know that the compound is a carbonate ion and that there might be co-ordinate covalent
bonds or resonance structures.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Write the formula for the carbonate The formula for the carbonate ion is CO32-.
ion.
Identify the least electronegative The least electronegative atom is the carbon.
atom and make it the central atom in Therefore, it is the central atom.
the structure.
Draw a skeleton structure of the
central atom with one single bond
between it and each of the other
atoms.
Determine the total number of  4e  
valence electrons in all the atoms of V = 1 C atom  
the molecule.  C atom 
 6e   
  3 O atoms    2e
The carbon atom has four valence  O atom 
electrons, and each oxygen atom has
six valence electrons.  4e + 18e   2e 


The ion has two negative charges, so  24e

two electrons must be added to
account for the charge.
Determine the total number of  8e  
electrons needed for each atom to T = 1 C atom  
achieve noble gas configuration.  C atom 
 8e 
+  3 O atoms  
 O atoms 
 8e  + 24e 
= 32e 

42 MHR ● Chemistry 12 Solutions Manual 978-0-07-106042-4

Determine the number of shared S=TV
electrons and the resulting number = 32e   24e 
of bonds.
 8e 

S 8
bonds = = 4
2 2
Draw the structure with any
necessary double or triple bonds.

There are three covalent bonds in

the skeleton structure and there must
be four bonds in the ion. However, it
is not possible to distinguish among
the oxygen atoms. This is in
agreement with the possibility of
resonance structures. Any of the
three oxygen atoms could be double
bonded to the central carbon atom at
any given time. The structures with
one double bond added are:
Determine the number of non- NB = V  S
bonding electrons and add them as = 24e  8e 
lone pairs to satisfy the octet rule for
all atoms.  16e
Complete the Lewis structure.

Because there are 16 non-bonding

electrons, there are 8 lone pairs.
Place two lone pairs on the double
bonded oxygen atom and three long
pairs on each of the two single
bonded oxygen atoms.
Because the structure is an ion with
two negative charges, add brackets
to the structures and add the
exponent, minus two, outside the
brackets.
The above results led to resonance
structures. The central atom, a
carbon atom, cannot have an
expanded valence because it is in
Period 2 and Period 2 atoms have no
d orbitals available. That is, for n =
2, l = 0 or 1, which are the s and p

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 43

 orbitals. The energy levels of d
orbitals with n = 3 are so much
higher than orbitals with n = 2 that
no hybrid orbitals could be stable.

Check Your Solution

Each atom has eight valence electrons which achieves a noble gas configuration. All of the
valence electrons have been accounted for.

44 MHR ● Chemistry 12 Solutions Manual 978-0-07-106042-4

Predicting the Shape of a Molecule
(Student textbook page 236)

11. What molecular shape is represented by each of the following VSEPR notations?
a. AX3
b. AX5E

What Is Required?
You need to assign a molecular shape that is represented by two VSEPR notations.

What Is Given?
You are given the VSEPR notations:
a. AX3
b. AX5E

a. AX3
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
Determine what types of groups and how There is a central atom and three surrounding
many of each type are present in the atoms but no lone pairs in the molecule.
molecule.
Apply the principles of electron repulsion Bonding pairs repel equally so the three
to the groups to determine the shape. surrounding atoms will be as far from each
other as possible. This would place them at the
corners of a triangle with the central atom in
the centre. This molecular shape is trigonal
planar.

b. AX5E
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
Determine what types of groups and how There is a central atom, five surrounding atoms,
many of each group are present. and one lone pairs in the molecule.
Apply the principles of electron repulsion The six electron groupings will repel one
to the groups to determine the shape. another but the lone pair will repel more than
the others. The electron groupings will be
approximately at the corners of an octahedron.
The lone pair will not be part of the molecular
shape leaving four of the surrounding atoms at
the corners of a square and the fifth at the
centre and above the square. The central atom
will be in the centre of the square. This
molecular shape is square pyramidal.

Check Your Solution

A comparison with the figures in Figure 4.31 on page 234 of the student textbook confirms
the results.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 45

12. What is the total number of valence electrons surrounding each of the atoms in the following
compounds?
a. CF4(g)
b. NO3-(s)

What Is Required?
You need to determine the total number of valence electrons associated with each of the
atoms in two compounds.

What Is Given?
You are given the compounds:
a. CF4(g)
b. NO3-(s)

a. CF4(g)
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
Draw a Lewis structure of the compound.

Count the number of electrons There are eight valence electrons around each
surrounding each atom. of the atoms, giving a total of 32 valence
electrons in the compound.

b. NO3-(s)
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
Draw a Lewis structure of the compound.

Count the number of electrons In all of the three resonance structures, there are
surrounding each atom. eight valence electrons around each of the atoms
giving a total of 24 valence electrons in the
compound.

Check Your Solution

Each atom in both compounds has an octet of valence electrons which creates stability.

46 MHR ● Chemistry 12 Solutions Manual 978-0-07-106042-4

13. How many lone pairs and electron groups are associated with the central atom of the
following molecules and ions? Remember that double and triple bonds count as only one
electron group for the purpose of predicting molecular shape.
a. NH4+(s)
b. HCN(g)
c. XeF4(s)
d. PbCl2(vaporized)

What Is Required?
You need to determine the number of electron groups around the central atom of four
compounds.

What Is Given?
You are given the chemical formulas:
a. NH4+(s)
b. HCN(g)
c. XeF4(s)
d. PbCl2(vaporized)

a. NH4+(s)
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
Draw the Lewis structure.

Count the number of each type of electron 4 BP, 0 LP

group around the central atom.

b. HCN(g)
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
Draw the Lewis structure.
Count the number of each type of electron 2 BP, 0 LP
group around the central atom.

c. XeF4(s)
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
Draw the Lewis structure.

(This strucure cannot be obtained by basic

steps and requires research. The Xe
hybridization is sp3s2.)
Count the number of each type of electron 4 BP, 2 LP
group around the central atom.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 47

 d. PbCl2(vaporized)
Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy
Draw the Lewis structure.

(This strucure cannot be obtained by basic

steps and requires research.)

Count the number of each type of electron 2 BP, 1 LP

group around the central atom.

Check Your Solution

The rules have been followed and the answers are reasonable.

48 MHR ● Chemistry 12 Solutions Manual 978-0-07-106042-4

14. Use VSEPR theory to predict the shape of O3(g).

What Is Required?
You need to predict the shape of ozone, O3(g).

What Is Given?
The chemical formula shows that the molecule consists of three oxygen atoms.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Draw the Lewis structure based on the
principles for drawing Lewis structures.
Count the electron groups around the In either of the resonance forms, there are three
central atom and account for any charge electron groups around the central oxygen atom.
if the compound is an ion. There is no charge.
Find the name of the electron group This electron group arrangement is called
arrangement. trigonal planar.
Predict the molecular shape based on the There are two bonding pairs and one lone pair.
location of the bonding pairs and lone This arrangement forms the molecular shape
pairs in the electron groups. called bent. The bond angle is expected to be
less than 120º.

Check Your Solution

This arrangement fits the VSEPR notation AX2E which represents the bent molecular shape.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 49

15. Use VSEPR theory to predict the shape of PH3(g).

What Is Required?
You need to predict the molecular shape of phosphorus trihydride, PH3(g).

What Is Given?
The chemical formula shows that the molecule consists of one phosphorus atom and three
hydrogen atoms.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Draw the Lewis structure based on the
principles for drawing Lewis structures.

Count the electron groups around the There are four electron groups around the
central atom and account for any charge if central phosphorus atom. There is no charge.
the compound is an ion.
Find the name of the electron group This electron group arrangement is called
arrangement. tetrahedral.
Predict the molecular shape based on the There are three bonding pairs and one lone
location of the bonding pairs and lone pairs pair.
in the electron groups. This arrangement forms the molecular shape
called trigonal pyramidal. The bond angle is
expected to be less than 109.5º.

Check Your Solution

This arrangement fits the VSEPR notation AX3E which represents the trigonal pyramidal
molecular shape.

50 MHR ● Chemistry 12 Solutions Manual 978-0-07-106042-4

16. Use VSEPR theory to predict the shape of SO42-(s).

What Is Required?
You need to predict the shape of the sulfate ion.

What Is Given?
You are given the chemical formula, SO42-(s).

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Draw the Lewis structure based on
the principles for drawing Lewis
structures.

There are six resonance structures for

the sulfate ion. They all contain an
expanded valence.

Count the electron groups around the In each of the resonance structures, there are four
central atom and account for any electron groups around the central sulfur atom. The
charge if the compound is an ion. ion has a charge of 2-.
Find the name of the electron group This electron group arrangement is called
arrangement. tetrahedral.
Predict the molecular shape based on There are four bonding pairs and no lone pairs. This
the location of the bonding pairs and arrangement forms the molecular shape called
lone pairs in the electron groups. tetrahedral. The bond angle is expected to be 109.5º.

Check Your Solution

This arrangement fits the VSEPR notation AX4 which represents the tetrahedral molecular
shape.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 51

17. Use VSEPR theory to predict the shape and bond angles of CH2Cl2(ℓ).

What Is Required?
You need to predict the shape of dichloromethane.

What Is Given?
You are given the formula, CH2Cl2(ℓ).

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Draw the Lewis structure based on the
principles for drawing Lewis structures.

Count the electron groups around the There are four electron groups around the
central atom and account for any charge central carbon atom. There is no charge.
if the compound is an ion.
Find the name of the electron group This electron group arrangement is called
arrangement. tetrahedral.
Predict the molecular shape based on the There are four bonding pairs and no lone pairs.
location of the bonding pairs and lone This arrangement forms the molecular shape
pairs in the electron groups. called tetrahedral. The bond angle is expected
to be 109.5º.

Check Your Solution

This arrangement fits the VSEPR notation AX4 which represents the tetrahedral molecular
shape.

52 MHR ● Chemistry 12 Solutions Manual 978-0-07-106042-4

18. Use VSEPR theory to predict the shape and bond angles of CO32-(s).

What Is Required?
You need to predict the shape of the carbonate ion.

What is given?
The chemical formula shows that the carbonate ion has one carbon atom, three oxygen atoms,
and a charge of 2-.

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Draw the Lewis structure based on
the principles for drawing Lewis
structures.

Count the electron groups around There are three electron groups around the central
the central atom and account for any carbon atom. There is a charge of 2-.
charge if the compound is an ion.
Find the name of the electron group This electron group arrangement is called trigonal
arrangement. planar.
Predict the molecular shape based There are three bonding pairs and no lone pairs.
on the location of the bonding pairs This arrangement fits the trigonal planar molecular
and lone pairs in the electron groups. shape. The bond angle is expected to be 109.5º.

Check Your Solution

This arrangement fits the VSEPR notation AX3 which represents the trigonal planar molecular
shape.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 53

19. Consider the following fluorine-containing molecules to have the general formula XFn.
Arrange them in order of increasing F-X-F bond angles: BF3(g), BeF2(g), CF4(g), NF3(g),
OF2(g).

What Is Required?
You need to arrange the fluorine containing compounds in order of increasing F-X-F angles,
where X is the central atom in each of the compounds.

What Is Given?
You are given the chemical formulas:
BF3(g), BeF2(g), CF4(g), NF3(g), OF2(g)

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Draw Lewis structures of each of the
compounds.

BF3(g)

BeF2(g)

CF4(g)

NF3(g)

OF2(g)

Determine the number of bonding pairs BF3(g): 3 BP, 0 LP, bond angle = 120º
and lone pairs in each of the compounds. BeF2(g): 2 BP, 0 LP, bond angle =180º
CF4(g): 4 BP, 0 LP, bond angle = 109.5º
NF3(g): 3 BP, 1 LP, bond angle <109.5º
OF2(g): 2 BP, 2 LP, bond angle <<109.5º
Apply VSEPR theory to predict the Order of increasing bond angle:
deviation of the bond angle from the OF2, NF3, CF4, BF3, BeF2
standard for the standard for the general
electron group arrangement.

54 MHR ● Chemistry 12 Solutions Manual 978-0-07-106042-4

Check Your Solution
For the first three compounds in the sequence, the total number of electron groupings
increases from 2 to 3 to 4. You would expect that as the number of groups increases, the bond
angles would decrease. The last three compounds all have four electrons groups but the
number of lone pairs increases from 0 to 1 to 2. Because the lone pairs repel the bonding pairs
more than other bonding pairs do, you would expect that as the number of lone pairs
increases, the bond angles would decrease. The answer is in agreement with these
expectations.

Unit 2 Part B ● MHR 55

20. Phosphorus pentachloride, used in synthetic chemistry to add chlorine to molecules, exists as
molecules of PCl5(g) in the gas phase. As a solid, though, it exists as alternating ions PCl4+(s)
and PCl6 -(s). Predict the shapes of all three species: PCl5(g), PCl4+(s), and PCl6 -(s).

What Is Required?
You need to predict the molecular shape of three phosphorus- and chlorine-containing
compounds.

What Is Given?
You are given the chemical formulas, PCl5(g), PCl4+(s), and PCl6 -(s).

Plan Your Strategy Act on Your Strategy

Draw the Lewis structures.

PCl5(g)

PCl4+(s)

PCl6-(s)

Based on the rules of VSEPR, predict the PCl5(g) has the VESPR notation AX5 and thus
shapes of the compounds. its shape is trigonal bipyamidal.
PCl4+(s) has the VESPR notation AX4 and
thus its shape is tetrahedral.
PCl6 -(s) has the VESPR notation AX6 and thus
its shape is octahedral.

Check Your Solution

None of the compounds have any lone pairs. Thus, the molecular shape is the same as the
electron group shape, in agreement with the results.

56 MHR ● Chemistry 12 Solutions Manual 978-0-07-106042-4