draw the lewis structure for the formaldehyde (ch₂o) molecule. be sure to include all resonance structures…

Explanation:

Step1: Determine valence electrons

Carbon has 4 valence electrons, hydrogen has 1 (2 hydrogens so 2 total), and oxygen has 6. Total valence electrons = 4 + 2+ 6 = 12.

Step2: Arrange atoms

Carbon is the central atom. Connect hydrogen and oxygen to carbon with single - bonds first.

Step3: Distribute remaining electrons

After single - bonding, we have used 4 electrons (2 single bonds, 2 electrons per bond). So 12 - 4 = 8 electrons left. Place these as lone pairs on oxygen to complete its octet. But carbon only has 6 electrons.

Step4: Form double - bond

Move one lone pair from oxygen to form a C=O double - bond. This gives all atoms an octet (except hydrogen which follows the duet rule).

Step5: Check for resonance

There are no resonance structures for formaldehyde that satisfy the octet rule. The main Lewis structure has a carbon - oxygen double - bond and two carbon - hydrogen single - bonds, with two lone pairs on oxygen.

Answer:

The Lewis structure has a carbon atom in the center. It is double - bonded to an oxygen atom which has two lone pairs of electrons, and single - bonded to two hydrogen atoms.