Which of the following represents the correct Lewis dot symbol for the iodide ion, I⁻?

• A. I surrounded by seven dots and no charge
• B. I surrounded by seven dots and a negative sign
• C. I surrounded by eight dots and no charge
• D. I surrounded by eight dots and a negative sign

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the Lewis dot symbol represents the valence electrons of an atom or ion as dots around the element's symbol.
2. Identify the number of valence electrons for iodine (I). Iodine is in group 17, so it has 7 valence electrons.
3. Since the species is the iodide ion (I⁻), it has gained one extra electron, increasing the total valence electrons to 8.
4. Represent these 8 valence electrons as eight dots arranged around the symbol 'I' in the Lewis dot structure.
5. Include the negative charge symbol (⁻) outside the brackets or near the symbol to indicate the ion's charge.