Lewis Structures Cliff Notes and Practice
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Period___
The goal of the Lewis Structure is to have all atoms get an octet after the structure is complete!
(Except H only wants 2 e-)
1. Write the chemical formula, and count the total number of valence electrons.
This is the amount of electrons allowed in the Lewis Structure.
2. Arrange the atoms around each other (skeleton formula).
Hints: a. The least electronegative atom typically goes in the center (central atom). b. Other atoms are arranged around the central atom (terminal atoms). c. Hydrogen is terminal (at the end because it can only form one bond).
3. Put in electrons (dots) around the atoms to satisfy the octet of all the atoms.
4. Check to see that you have the same number of electrons in step number 1. If not, rearrange the electrons (2 for 1).
5. Connect the dots between atoms. 2 e- = a bond, denoted by a line ( : = - ).
Guided Practice Problems: carbon tetrachloride
carbon monoxide carbon monoxide
carbon monoxide

Draw the Lewis Structures for the following: a) nitrogen trifluoride c) fluorine e) water g) BeF
2 b) CH
4 d) oxygen f) sulfur dichloride h) BCl
3