00:02
So in this problem, we have the chemical formulas h2 -co3 and nh3.
00:09
And we know that in each one of these structures will have a central atom bonded to three other elements.
00:17
So we need to determine why the molecular geometries of these two structures are different.
00:26
So to do that, we'll start by drawing out our lewis structures, including all balanced electrons, all lone pairs.
00:35
So in h2co3, i know carbon likes to be the central atom.
00:41
So i'll start by drawing in my carbon with its four valence electrons.
00:49
And then i'll space around that.
01:01
I'm sorry, the first chemical formula is h2co.
01:05
So i'll start by spacing around the carbon atom, my one oxygen atom with its six valence electrons, and my two hydrogen, each with one balanced electron.
01:36
My next step is to connect the electrons that are alone, and then i can see that my carbon does not have its octet, fulfilled.
01:53
Neither does my oxygen, but each has one more electron that they could share...