A student submits the following description of a Lewis diagram for sulfur dioxide, SO₂:
• The diagram shows a central sulfur atom.
• The sulfur is connected to the left-hand oxygen by a double bond.
• The sulfur is connected to the right-hand oxygen by a single bond.
• Each oxygen is depicted with three lone pairs.
• The sulfur is depicted with two lone pairs, and no formal charges are indicated.
Answer the following questions about the student’s diagram.
(a) Determine the total number of valence electrons that must be represented in a correct Lewis diagram for SO₂.
(b) Identify two distinct inaccuracies in the student’s diagram, citing specific evidence from the description provided.
(c) Draw a complete, corrected Lewis diagram for SO₂. Clearly show all lone pairs and any formal charges that minimize the overall formal charge of the molecule.