Chemistry 34

Previous ………. Next Topic >

Lewis Structures

Lewis structures, also known as Lewis dot diagrams, Lewis dot formulas, Lewis dot structures, electron dot structures, or Lewis electron dot structures (LEDS), are diagrams that show the bonding between atoms of a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist in the molecule.

The Lewis structure is used to represent the covalent bonding of a molecule or ion. Covalent bonds are a type of chemical bonding formed by the sharing of electrons in the valence shells of the atoms. The atoms in a Lewis structure tend to share electrons so that each atom has eight electrons (the octet rule).


Lesson 1 (or “Day 1”) Material
Lesson 2 (or “Day 2”) Material
Lesson 3 (or “Day 3”) Material
Lesson 4 (or “Day 4”) Material

1:37 CH4 Lewis Structure – How to Draw the Dot Structure for CH4

5:56 How to Draw Lewis Structures: Five Easy Steps

4:40 Lewis Dot Structures

 


Compare Contrast and Debate

Background: The definition of valence shell is “the outermost shell of an atom containing the valence electrons.” Basically, the valence shell is the “outermost shell.”

  • Position A: Some people think we should refer to the valence shell as the “outermost shell” to reduce the complexity of including a word to mean this.
  • Position B: Others believe there is value in having a word (name) for this – it is shorter and meaningful.

Resources Documents and Links

  • xx

Notes and Notices

Instructor Emphasis:

  • Science & Engineering Practice: Analyze and interpret data.
  • Cross-Cutting Concept: Structure and Function.