Web Quest
Integrated Chemistry
Lewis Diagrams for Compound Formation
The formation of many common compounds can be visualized with the use of Lewis symbols and Lewis
diagrams. In a Lewis symbol, the inner closed shells of electrons can be considered as included in
chemical symbol for the element, and the outer shell or valence electrons are represented by dots. The
dots are placed in four groups of one or two electrons each, with 8 electrons representing a closed shell or
noble gas configuration.
The first site to visit is: (http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/pertab/perlewis.html) Scroll through
the site. You will notice that there is a second periodic table. The second table has the appearance of a
model we have discussed before. What is the name associated with this model?
What is the name given to the models that look like targets? (1) _________________________________
(one of the models of the atom)
This introduction presented the Lewis structures for the main group elements in the format of the periodic
table. It also presents the electron distribution into shells (the target like models) in the same periodic
table format. These pictorial representations identify patterns in the periodic table, electron configuration,
and valance electrons. Lewis structures use these patterns to represent the structures of compounds as we
believe they form. While the other sites you are to visit will focus on the rules for drawing the structures
this site focuses on the underlying meaning of the structures and connecting them to other related topics.
The visual representation provides a clear connection which should alleviate much of the confusion.
Lewis diagrams are useful for visualizing both ionic and covalent bonds. To point you in the right
direction . . . Travel to (http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/chemical/lewis.html#c1) a
demonstration of using Electron dot notation to build compounds. This page demonstrates both covalent
molecules and ionic formulas. As you scroll through the web page, take note of the multiple bonding
section.
What are the most common multiple bonds shown? (2) _________________________________
What two elements are shown to triple bond? (3) ______________________________________
Next – take a trip to (http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/chemical/bond.html#c1) and read
Chemical Bonding; Chemical compounds are formed by the joining of two or more atoms. A stable
compound occurs when the total energy of the combination has lower energy than the separated atoms.
The two extreme cases of chemical bonds are: (4) ____________________________________________
and (5) _______________________________________________________
Find where they compare and contrast these two types of bonds.
Covalent bond (http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/chemical/bond.html#c2): bond in which one
or more pairs of electrons are shared by two atoms can be
subcategorized into two parts, they are (6) _________________________________
and (7) _________________________________
What are the two elements used to demonstrate covalent bonding for the Covalent Lewis structure?
(8) _________________________________ and (9) _________________________________
What happens to the dots (electrons) for the two elements used to demonstrate Covalent bonding for the
Covalent Lewis structure? (10) _________________________________
Ionic bond (http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/chemical/bond.html#c4): bond in which one or
more electrons from one atom are removed and attached to another atom, resulting in positive and
negative ions which attract each other. What happens to the dots (electrons) for the two elements used to
demonstrate Ionic bonding for the Ionic Lewis structure?
(11) _________________________________
Next – find your way to (http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/chemical/bond2.html#c1)
Comparison of Properties of Ionic and Covalent Compounds
Complete the tables below:
Ionic Compounds
Covalent Compounds
12.
16.
13.
17.
14.
18.
15.
19.
Most positively charged ions are from the (20) _________________________________ side of the
periodic table and anions are from the (21) _________________________________side of the periodic
table.
Now search for the elements that make up the following precious stones; when you find out what they are
made of, write the ingredients in for the corresponding number
(22) Ruby
_____________________________________________________________________,
(24) Emerald _____________________________________________________________________,
(23) Sapphire _____________________________________________________________________, and
(25) Onyx
_____________________________________________________________________
Extra:
Use the following web page to build several compounds and correctly fill in the Lewis structure
http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/chemistry/courses/toolkits/121/js/lewis/