Question

Which of the following would have p-orbital electrons in its dot structure?
H
C
Ca
F

Answer 1

Answer:

C, F

Explanation:

A Lewis structure represents only the valence electrons an atom has. That said, in this specific problem we're considering the valence electrons of an atom. We wish to have p-orbital electrons in the valence shell.

Let's look at the electron configurations of each atom including the number of valence electrons:

• Hydrogen only has one valence electron, as it's in group 1A. Its electron configuration is $1s^1$. It doesn't have any p electrons.
• Carbon has 4 valence electrons (group 4A). Its electron configuration is $[He]2s^2 2p^2$. Notice that the valence shell contains two p electrons.
• Calcium has 2 valence electrons (group 2A). Its electron configuration is $[Ar]4s^2$. It only has s electrons in its valence shell.
• Fluorine has 7 valence electrouns (group 7A). Its electron configuration is $[He]2s^2 2p^5$. It has five p electrons in its valence shell.