Question

UsingLewissymbolsandLewisstructures,diagramthefor- mation of SiCl4 from Si and Cl atoms, showing valence-shell electrons. (a) How many valence electrons does Si have ini- tially? (b) How many valence electrons does each Cl have initially? (c) How many valence electrons surround the Si in the SiCl4 molecule? (d) How many valence electrons sur- round each Cl in the SiCl4 molecule? (e) How many bonding pairs of electrons are in the SiCl4 molecule?

Answer 1

Answer:

(a) 4

(b) 7

(c) 8

(d) 8

(e) 4

Explanation:

In order to draw the Lewis structure, we need to take into account the octet rule: atoms will share electrons to have 8 electrons in their valence shell.

(a) How many valence electrons does Si have initially?

Si has 4 valence electrons. It has to share 4 pairs of electrons to reach the octet.

(b) How many valence electrons does each Cl have initially?

Cl has 7 valence electrons. Each Cl has to share 1 pair of electrons to reach the octet.

(c) How many valence electrons surround the Si in the SiCl₄ molecule?

Si is surrounded by 8 electrons in SiCl₄.

(d) How many valence electrons surround each Cl in the SiCl₄ molecule?

Each Cl is surrounded by 8 electrons in SiCl₄.

(e) How many bonding pairs of electrons are in the SiCl₄ molecule?

There are 4 bonding pairs between Si and Cl.