Lewis Dot Structures

Valence Electrons• Valence electrons are the most important

electrons because they determine reactivity – They are used in bonding

• What are valence electrons?– Electrons on the outer most energy level

• How can we easily find out the number of valence electrons?– Group Number

Representing Valence Electrons

• Lewis Dot Structures– Because valence electrons are the most

important, these are the only electrons we will show

How to Draw Lewis Dot Structures

• Step 1: Write the element’s symbol• Step 2: Determine the number of valence

electrons• Step 3: Start drawing a dot on the right

side of the symbol • Step 4: Draw the rest of the dots by

moving counter clockwise and putting 1 on each side

Example• Step 1:• Step 2:

– 7• Step 3:• Step 4: Cl