Write the group number and draw the Lewis symbol for each of the following elements:e. gallium

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the element gallium on the periodic table. Gallium is represented by the symbol 'Ga'.
2. Determine the group number for gallium. Gallium is located in Group 13 of the periodic table.
3. Understand that the group number for main group elements (Groups 1, 2, and 13-18) indicates the number of valence electrons. Therefore, gallium has 3 valence electrons.
4. Draw the Lewis symbol for gallium by writing the element symbol 'Ga' and surrounding it with three dots, representing the three valence electrons.
5. Arrange the dots around the symbol 'Ga' to reflect the valence electrons, typically placing one dot on each of the four sides before pairing them.

Key Concepts

Lewis Symbols

Lewis symbols, also known as Lewis dot diagrams, represent the valence electrons of an atom as dots surrounding the element's symbol. This visual representation helps in understanding how atoms bond with each other, as it shows the number of electrons available for bonding. For example, the Lewis symbol for gallium (Ga) will depict its three valence electrons, which are crucial for its chemical behavior.

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom and are key to determining how an element interacts chemically. The number of valence electrons influences an element's reactivity, bonding capacity, and placement in the periodic table. Gallium, with its three valence electrons, typically forms bonds by sharing or losing these electrons, which is essential for understanding its chemical properties.

Periodic Table Group Number

The group number in the periodic table indicates the number of valence electrons for the elements in that column. Elements in the same group often exhibit similar chemical properties due to their comparable electron configurations. Gallium is located in group 13, which signifies that it has three valence electrons, influencing its bonding behavior and reactivity with other elements.