Determine the number of valence electrons in phosphoric acid ([tex]H_3PO_4[/tex]) and then draw the corresponding Lewis structure (by following the octet rule on all atoms).

a) 5 valence electrons
b) 6 valence electrons
c) 7 valence electrons
d) 8 valence electrons

Question

High School

Answer :

talhabhatt007 talhabhatt007 · Answer 1 · 2023-09-10T05:52:04-04:00

Phosphoric acid has 5 valence electrons and the Lewis structure follows the octet rule for each atom.The correct multiple-choice option is (a).

The number of valence electrons in phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) is 5 valence electrons.

To draw the Lewis structure, we distribute the electrons following the octet rule:

Phosphorus has 5 valence electrons.
Each hydrogen atom contributes 1 valence electron.
Accounting for the 3 oxygens, we have a total of 8 valence electrons.
Arrange atoms and bonds to complete octets where possible.
Verify that each atom follows the octet rule.The correct multiple-choice option is (a).