Multiple Choice
In a Lewis dot diagram, what do the dots around an element's symbol represent?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Symbols
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How many dots should be shown in the Lewis dot symbol for a boron (B) atom?
A
3
B
1
C
5
D
7
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the group number of boron (B) in the periodic table. Boron is in group 13 (or IIIA), which means it has 3 valence electrons.
Recall that the Lewis dot symbol represents the valence electrons of an atom as dots placed around the element's symbol.
Since boron has 3 valence electrons, the Lewis dot symbol for boron will have 3 dots.
Place the 3 dots around the symbol 'B' one at a time on different sides before pairing any dots, following the Lewis structure convention.
Thus, the Lewis dot symbol for boron shows 3 dots, corresponding to its 3 valence electrons.
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