which of the following is the correct lewis structure for chlorine? question 12 1 pts how many valence…

Explanation:

Step1: Determine valence electrons of chlorine

Chlorine is in group 17, has 7 valence electrons. In $Cl_2$, total valence electrons are $7\times2 = 14$. Each $Cl - Cl$ bond uses 2 electrons. After forming the single - bond, the remaining 12 electrons are placed as lone - pairs around the two chlorine atoms, 6 electrons (3 lone - pairs) around each chlorine atom.

Step2: Analyze Lewis structure of $NH_3$

Nitrogen is in group 15, has 5 valence electrons. Hydrogen is in group 1, has 1 valence electron. For $NH_3$, there is 1 nitrogen and 3 hydrogens. Total valence electrons are $5+(1\times3)=8$.

Answer:

For the first question: The correct Lewis structure for chlorine ($Cl_2$) is the one with a single bond between the two chlorine atoms and 3 lone - pairs on each chlorine atom (the third option in the first question). For the second question: 8