How to Draw the Lewis Structure for H2

To draw the Lewis structure for H₂, follow these steps:

1. Count the total number of valence electrons: Hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron. Since there are two hydrogen atoms, the total number of valence electrons is 2.
2. Place the atoms: Place the two hydrogen atoms next to each other.
3. Connect the atoms with a single bond: Draw a single line (representing a single bond) between the two hydrogen atoms. This single bond uses 2 electrons (one from each hydrogen atom).
4. Check the octet rule: Hydrogen only needs 2 electrons to be stable, which it achieves through the single bond. Each hydrogen atom now has 2 electrons, satisfying the duet rule (a simplified version of the octet rule for hydrogen).

The final Lewis structure for H₂ looks like this: H-H.