Problem 2 - Chemistry A Guided Inquiry

Question

Give the Lewis representation for each of the following atoms. a) iodine b) calcium c) phosphorus

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Lewis Dot structure for: 1) Iodine (I) will have seven dots surrounding the 'I'. 2) Calcium (Ca) will have two dots on the right side of 'Ca'. 3) Phosphorus (P) will have five dots surrounding the 'P'.

Step 1: Determine the group of the atom (iodine)

Iodine (I) is in the 17th group of the Periodic Table, also known as the halogens. Atoms in this group have seven valence electrons.

Step 2: Draw Lewis representation of iodine

For iodine, put the symbol 'I' in the center surrounded by seven dots representing the seven valence electrons. The dots can be placed in any direction north, south, east and west.

Step 3: Determine the group of the atom (calcium)

Calcium (Ca) is in the 2nd group called the alkaline earth metals in the periodic table. Atoms in this group have two valence electrons.

Step 4: Draw Lewis representation of calcium

Draw the calcium atom symbol 'Ca' surrounded by two dots representing the two valence electrons. The dots are usually placed on the right side of the symbol.

Step 5: Determine the group of the atom (phosphorus)

Phosphorus (P) is in the 15th group of the Periodic Table. Atoms in this group have five valence electrons.

Step 6: Draw Lewis representation of phosphorus

Draw the symbol 'P' for phosphorus surrounded by five dots representing five valence electrons. The dots can be placed in any direction.