Lewis Diagrams
Definition
Lewis diagrams, also known as Lewis dot structures, are graphical representations that illustrate the bonding between atoms of a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist in the molecule.
Analogy
Think of Lewis diagrams like a blueprint for a house. Just as blueprints show where each room, door, and window goes in a house, Lewis diagrams show where each atom and electron goes in a molecule.
Related terms
Electron Configuration: This is the distribution of electrons of an atom or molecule (or other physical structure) in atomic or molecular orbitals.
Covalent Bonding: This is a type of chemical bond involving the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.
Resonance Structures: These are several structures that represent some average of the actual distribution of electrons in molecules with multiple bonds or unshared electron pairs.
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