How many electrons must be shown in the Lewis structure of the hydroxide ion, #OH^-#?
1 Answer
Jan 7, 2016
8 electrons.
Explanation:
Only valence electrons are shown on a Lewis structure - these are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. The oxygen atom has 6 valence electrons, while the hydrogen atom has just 1.
However, the hydroxide ion carries a negative charge, which means 1 extra electron has been introduced. We must add that to the valence electrons already present.
This gives a total of