question 13 (2 points)\nthe number of lone electron pairs in the clo₄⁻ ion is ___.\n24\n6\n3\n4\n12

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Determine central atom

Chlorine (Cl) is the central atom in $ClO_4^-$.

Step2: Calculate valence - electrons

Cl has 7 valence electrons, O has 6 valence electrons and there is a - 1 charge. So total valence electrons = $7+4\times6 + 1=32$.

Step3: Draw Lewis - structure

Connect Cl to 4 O atoms with single bonds first. Each bond uses 2 electrons. So 8 electrons are used in bonding. Remaining electrons = $32 - 8=24$.

Step4: Distribute remaining electrons

Distribute the 24 remaining electrons as lone - pairs on O atoms. Each O atom gets 3 lone - pairs. There are 4 O atoms, so the number of lone - pairs on O atoms is 12. Cl has no lone - pairs. So the total number of lone - pairs in $ClO_4^-$ is 12.