question_answer 2)

Write the Lewis structure of the nitrite ion, \[NO_{2}^{-}\].

Answer:

Nitrogen has five valence electrons and each oxygen atom has six valence electrons. Total valence electrons available = 5 + 2 x 6 + 1 (negative charge) = 18 The skeletal structure of \[NO_{2}^{-}\] is: \[O\,\,\,N\,\,\,O\] Total number of electrons needed by all the atoms to achieve noble gas configuration \[=3\times 8=24\] Thus, number of electrons shared = 24 18 = 6 i.e., there are three bonds between the atoms.