H2 Lewis structure

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H₂ (hydrogen) has two hydrogen atoms.

In the H₂ Lewis structure, there is a single bond between the two hydrogen atoms, and none of the atoms has a lone pair.

Steps

Here’s how you can easily draw the H₂ Lewis structure step by step:

#1 Draw a rough skeleton structure
#2 Mention lone pairs on the atoms
#3 If needed, mention formal charges on the atoms

Now, let’s take a closer look at each step mentioned above.

#1 Draw a rough skeleton structure

• First, determine the total number of valence electrons

In the periodic table, hydrogen lies in group 1. Hence, hydrogen has one valence electron.

Since H₂ has two hydrogen atoms, so…

Valence electrons of two hydrogen atoms = 1 × 2 = 2

So the total valence electrons = 2

Learn how to find: Hydrogen valence electrons

• Second, find the total electron pairs

We have a total of 2 valence electrons. And when we divide this value by two, we get the value of total electron pairs.

Total electron pairs = total valence electrons ÷ 2

So the total electron pairs = 2 ÷ 2 = 1

• Third, determine the central atom

Here, there are only two atoms and both atoms are hydrogen, so we can assume any one as the central atom.

Let’s assume that the central atom is right hydrogen.

• And finally, draw the rough sketch

#2 Mention lone pairs on the atoms

Here, we have a total of 1 electron pair. And one H — H bond is already marked. So we do not have to mark any electron pair as a lone pair on the sketch.

In the above structure, you can see that the central atom (right hydrogen) forms a duet. And the outside atom (left hydrogen) also forms a duet. Hence, the duet rule is satisfied.

Therefore, this structure is the stable Lewis structure of H₂.

Next: N₃^– Lewis structure

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External links

• https://whatsinsight.org/lewis-structures-hydrogen-water/
• https://www.thegeoexchange.org/chemistry/bonding/Lewis-Structures/H2-lewis-structure.html