A student draws a Lewis diagram for CO₂ as O—C—O

CHEMISTRY · Subjective · A Level · Chemistry · Bonding · Bonding

Problem

A student draws a Lewis diagram for CO₂ as O—C—O, showing single bonds between carbon and each oxygen, two lone pairs on carbon, and three lone pairs on each oxygen. Identify the main error in the student’s diagram and state the correct number of electrons that should be shown around the central carbon atom.

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