Electron Dot Diagrams

Drawing Electron Dot Diagrams

• The Nucleus is represented by the atomic symbol
• For individual elements determine the number of valence electrons
• Electrons are represented by dots around the symbol
• Four orbitals (one of each side of the nucleus) each holding a max of 2e
• each orbital gets 1e before they pair up

Examples of Lewis Dot Diagrams

      Lithium 

          Sulphur

Lewis Diagrams for Compounds & Ions

• In the covalent compunds electrons are shared

      1.) Determine the number of valence electrons for each atom in the molecule

      2.) Place atoms so that valence electrons are shared to fill each orbital

Example for Lewis Diagrams for Compounds & Ions

       Nitrogen Trichloride

Ionic Compounds

• In ionic compounds electrons transfer from one element to another
• Determine the number of valence electrons in the cation. Move these to the anion
• Draw [] around the metal and non-metal
• Write the charges outside the brackets

Examples of Ionic Compounds

         Sodium Chloride

-George Spencer