Drawing Lewis Structures For Molecules

Question 1

Why are lone electrons important?

Answer 1

Lone electrons take part in bonding to other elements.

Question 2

Why is Carbon special?

Answer 2

Carbon has 4 valence electrons that are lone electrons, which means the element can bond to 4 other elements.

Question 3

What are the steps to drawing Lewis Structures

Answer 3

Step 1: Draw the Lewis dot structure for each element.

Step 2: Create a template by placing the element there is the least of in the middle. Include the chemical formula (H2O = 2 H, 1 O) and the Lewis dot structure.

Step 3: Join the lone electrons into chemical bonds.

Step 4: Draw lines to show chemical bonds. Include non-bonding electron pairs.

Question 4

What symbol should you include when there’s a double bond?

Answer 4

An equal sign