How many dots should be shown in the Lewis dot symbol for a boron (B) atom?

• A. 3
• B. 1
• C. 5
• D. 7

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the group number of boron (B) in the periodic table. Boron is in group 13 (or IIIA), which means it has 3 valence electrons.
2. Recall that the Lewis dot symbol represents the valence electrons of an atom as dots placed around the element's symbol.
3. Since boron has 3 valence electrons, the Lewis dot symbol for boron will have 3 dots.
4. Place the 3 dots around the symbol 'B' one at a time on different sides before pairing any dots, following the Lewis structure convention.
5. Thus, the Lewis dot symbol for boron shows 3 dots, corresponding to its 3 valence electrons.