Which is the correct Lewis structure for hydrogen peroxide, \(H_ { 2} O_ { 2}  \)?

1. Determine the total number of valence electrons: 
- Hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron, and there are 2 hydrogen atoms: \(2 \times 1 = 2\) electrons. 
- Oxygen (O) has 6 valence electrons, and there are 2 oxygen atoms: \(2 \times 6 = 12\) electrons. 
- Total valence electrons: \(2 + 12 = 14\) electrons.

2. Arrange the atoms: 
- The structure of H\(_ 2\)O\(_ 2\) has the two oxygen atoms bonded together with each oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom.

3. Distribute the electrons: 
- Place a single bond (2 electrons) between each pair of bonded atoms:  \[H - O - O - H\]
- This uses up 6 electrons (3 bonds).

4. Distribute the remaining electrons to satisfy the octet rule for oxygen: 
- Each oxygen needs 8 electrons around it (including the bonding electrons). 
- Each oxygen already has 2 electrons from the bonds (one with hydrogen and one with the other oxygen). 
- Each oxygen needs 6 more electrons (3 lone pairs) to complete its octet.

5. Place lone pairs on the oxygen atoms: 
\[ \begin{array} { c}    H - O - O - H \\    \| \quad \| \quad \| \quad \| \\    \cdot \quad \cdot \quad \cdot \quad \cdot \\    \cdot \quad \cdot \quad \cdot \quad \cdot    \end{array} \]

So, the correct Lewis structure for hydrogen peroxide (H\(_ 2\)O\(_ 2\)) is:

\[H - O - O - H\]

with each oxygen atom having two lone pairs of electrons.

Supplemental Knowledge:

Lewis structures are diagrams used to show how molecules bond by depicting bonding between their constituent atoms and any free pairs of electrons that might exist in it. When applied to hydrogen peroxide (\(H_ { 2} O_ { 2}  \)) molecules it's especially essential that accurate depictions are depicted of both its arrangement of atoms and electrons.

Life in Context:

Understanding Lewis structures is integral for accurately predicting molecular geometry, reactivity and properties of compounds. Knowing hydrogen peroxide's structure aids in our ability to comprehend its chemical behavior as an oxidizing agent for disinfection and bleaching applications.

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