Question

Question #78d26

Answer 1

My thoughts are offered below. I hope others will join in...

Explanation:

I'm not quite certain how to frame this question, but here goes!

To my knowledge, there is no such thing as `H_4O_2`. When we write the symbols of the elements together this way, we are implying that all the atoms in the formula are bonded into a single molecule.

On that basis, this formula would not represent a molecule that I know of.

If we meant for this to be two water molecules, it should be written `2H_2O`, so that the coefficient in front of the formula tells us these are two separate, but identical particles.

Answer 2

It will be a completely different molecule.

Explanation:

To answer this, you'll need a basic understanding of the Lewis structure and how the Octet Rule works.

This is how a water molecule (`H_2O`) looks like if you draw its Lewis structure. Notice that in order to follow the Octet Rule, the `O` atom has to create a SINGLE bond with each of the `H` atoms.

That is, the `O` atom with six electrons on its outer shell ended up sharing two of its electrons with two `H` atoms equally.

As result of the covalent bonding, the `O` atom now has eight valence electrons (resembling the stability of noble gasses) while the `H` atom has two valence electrons (resembling the stability of `He`).

The formula `H_4O_2`, on the other hand, should not exist as it will violate the octet rule. At best, this formula represents a hydrate of a water molecule and should be written like this:

`H_2O` `*` `H_2O` (attracted by weak intermolecular force)