Lewis Dot Structures

[annaspain]

As shown in class, certain compounds like C2 can be represented with a combination of single, double, or triple bonds. Does it matter which way we represent it as long as we show the correct total number of electrons?

[sophiebillings1E]

Unless it specifies which atom (usually carbon atom) the double or triple bond is on it shouldn't matter.

[Saima Salam 3J]

It depends on what element is given and the number of bonds they can make. If the element can make double or triple bonds and it doesn't exceed the number of bonds they can make then you should be able to use it.

[Raphael_SanAndres3C]

The bonds are usually dependent on the amount of electrons two atoms share. Thus, bonds will be a double bond when four electrons are shared between two atoms and a bond will be a single bond when two electrons are shared between atoms.