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Atomic Structure

The Structure of a Water Molecule.

An oxygen atom has 6 electrons in its outer shell.
Oxygen is in group 6 of the periodic table.
A hydrogen atom has 1 electron in its outer shell.
Hydrogen can only form 1 bond.

Two hydrogen atoms each share their 1 electron with oxygen
to form two covalent bonds and make a water molecule  (H₂O).

Note the 2 pairs (4 electrons) shared between the atoms.
One electron pair is one single bond.

The structural formula of a water molecule is

Note the shape of the water molecule,
with both hydrogens on the same side of the oxygen atom.

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Copyright © 2008 Dr. Colin France. All Rights Reserved.