H2 Lewis structure

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.

Alternative method: Lewis structure of H₂

Rough sketch

• 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

Lone pair

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.

Final structure

The final structure of H₂ contains a single covalent bond connecting the two hydrogen atoms. In this arrangement, both atoms achieve a stable duet by sharing their solitary valence electrons, filling their respective 1s orbitals. This configuration results in a formal charge of zero for each atom, representing the simplest and most energetically favorable state for the molecule. Consequently, this bonded pair represents the accurate and stable Lewis representation for molecular hydrogen.

Next: N₃^– Lewis structure

External video

• H2 Lewis Structure – How to Draw the Dot Structure for H2 – YouTube • Wayne Breslyn

External links

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