Lewis Structure of H₂O (Water)
What is the Lewis structure of H₂O?
H₂O has 8 valence electrons, 2 bonding electron pairs, and 2 lone pairs. Water has 8 valence electrons. Four are used in two O–H single bonds. The remaining 4 electrons form 2 lone pairs on oxygen, giving it a bent molecular geometry.
| Formula | H₂O |
| Name | Water |
| Total Valence Electrons | 8 |
| Lone Pairs | 2 |
| Has Resonance | No |
| Concept | Lone Pairs |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Step 1: Count Valence Electrons
O (Group 6A) has 6 valence electrons, each H has 1: 6 + 1 + 1 = 8 total.
Step 2: Draw the Skeleton
Oxygen is the central atom bonded to two hydrogens. Two bonds use 4 electrons.
Step 3: Distribute Lone Pairs
4 electrons remain. They go on oxygen as 2 lone pairs, completing its octet.
Step 5: Check Formal Charges
- O: FC = 6 - 4 - ½(4) = 0
- H: FC = 1 - 0 - ½(2) = 0
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