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.

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.