Lewis Dot-Cross Diagram for CO2

Steps:

• Identify CO2 as linear O=C=O with carbon central and octet rule requiring 8 valence electrons per atom.
• Calculate valence electrons: C has 4, each O has 6, total 16 electrons to share.
• Form two double bonds (4 shared pairs) to satisfy octets: C shares 8, each O shares 8 (including lone pairs).
• Verify diagram shows no charges and linear arrangement.

Why A is correct:

• Depicts two C=O double bonds with lone pairs on oxygens, fulfilling octet rule and Lewis structure formula for CO2.

Why the others are wrong:

• B shows single bonds, violating octet for carbon (only 4 electrons).
• C shows one triple and one single bond, creating unequal bonding and octet deficiency.
• D places incorrect lone pairs or bonds, resulting in more than 16 valence electrons.

Final answer: A