Explain how you determine the number of valence electrons that should be used in the dot structure for silicon dioxide and state the shape of the molecule.

The electrons in the outermost shell are used to determine the dot structure.

Explanation:

According to Lewis, the structure of a molecule could be determined by accurately determining the number of electrons on the outermost shell of the Central atom. Silicon has four valence electrons on its outermost shell and it is the central atom in silicon dioxide. Silicon dioxide is a linear molecule as it forms two double bonds with oxygen.

answer: option (b) is the correct answer.

explanation:

a covalent bond is formed by sharing of electrons. whereas polarity arises due to difference in electronegativity of two atoms.

therefore, more is the electronegativity of an atom which combines with the titanium, more readily it will induce a partial positive and negative charge.

thus, out of the given options fluorine is most electronegative and has an incomplete octet. therefore, it will readily combine with titanium to share the electrons and complete its octet.