Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct Lewis valence electron dot structure for chlorine (Cl)?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Symbols
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How many dots are used in the Lewis dot symbol for a calcium (Ca) atom?
A
4
B
2
C
6
D
8
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the group number of calcium (Ca) in the periodic table. Calcium is in Group 2, which means it has 2 valence electrons.
Recall that the Lewis dot symbol represents only the valence electrons of an atom as dots around the element's symbol.
Since calcium has 2 valence electrons, the Lewis dot symbol for calcium will have 2 dots.
Place the 2 dots around the symbol 'Ca' following the convention of placing dots singly on each side before pairing them.
Conclude that the number of dots in the Lewis dot symbol for calcium is 2, corresponding to its 2 valence electrons.
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