Which of the following statements best describes the Lewis dot structure for the Fe^{3+} ion?

• A. Fe^{3+} has three valence electrons shown as dots around the symbol Fe.
• B. Fe^{3+} has eight valence electrons shown as dots around the symbol Fe.
• C. Fe^{3+} has no valence electrons shown in its Lewis dot structure.
• D. Fe^{3+} has six valence electrons shown as dots around the symbol Fe.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that Lewis dot structures represent the valence electrons of an atom or ion as dots around the element's symbol.
2. Determine the number of valence electrons in a neutral iron (Fe) atom. Iron is in group 8 of the transition metals, and its valence electrons are primarily from the 4s and 3d orbitals, typically totaling 8 valence electrons.
3. Understand that the Fe^{3+} ion means iron has lost 3 electrons, so subtract 3 electrons from the neutral atom's valence electrons to find the valence electrons remaining in Fe^{3+}.
4. Since Lewis dot structures only show valence electrons, the number of dots around Fe in Fe^{3+} corresponds to the remaining valence electrons after ionization.
5. Conclude that if Fe loses all its valence electrons to form Fe^{3+}, the Lewis dot structure will show no dots around the Fe symbol, indicating zero valence electrons.