The Lewis dot model of a molecule is shown. A visual diagram of a PCl3 molecule is shown. Phosphorous is the central atom with a
horizontal line connecting to each of the three Chlorine atoms around it. Phosphorous has a pair of dots on it. Each of the three chlorine atoms have a pair of three dots on it. Based on the model, which of the following is true? ( a. The electronegativity difference between phosphorous and chlorine is greater than 1.7.
( b. Each chlorine has three non-bonded pairs and one bonded pair of electrons.
( c. Phosphorous has three non-bonded pairs and one bonded pair of electrons.
( d. Phosphorous has three valence electrons in the outermost energy level.
b. Each chlorine has three non-bonded pairs and one bonded pair of electrons.
Explanation:
Chlorine has three valance electrons. Each Cl atom forms a single covalent bond with the central P atom by sharing a pair of electrons. After forming a single covalent bond each Cl atom is left with six electrons that do not participate in any bond formation or there are three pairs of lone electrons.
