Which of the following is the best Lewis dot symbol for bromine (Br)?

• A. Br with eight dots arranged as four pairs around the symbol
• B. Br with seven dots arranged as three pairs and one single dot around the symbol
• C. Br with five dots arranged as two pairs and one single dot around the symbol
• D. Br with six dots arranged as three pairs around the symbol

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the Lewis dot symbol represents the valence electrons of an element as dots around the chemical symbol.
2. Determine the number of valence electrons for bromine (Br). Bromine is in group 17 (halogens) of the periodic table, so it has 7 valence electrons.
3. Represent these 7 valence electrons as dots around the symbol 'Br'. Each dot corresponds to one valence electron.
4. Arrange the dots in pairs and singles around the symbol. Since there are 7 electrons, you will have three pairs (6 electrons) and one single dot (1 electron).
5. Verify that the Lewis dot symbol shows exactly 7 dots arranged as three pairs and one single dot around the 'Br' symbol, which correctly represents bromine's valence electrons.