Chapter 1.3, Problem 5PTS

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The Lewis dot structure of the atoms has to be found by using their valence electrons present in the outermost shell.  Bonding nature of the atoms is compared by using these structures.

Concept introduction: Lewis dot structures are also called electron dot structures. The diagrams are named after Gilbert N. Lewis, who described them in his 1916 article entitled The Atom and the Molecule.

A nucleus of an atom consists of neutrons and protons.  Electrons are from closest to outermost shells around the nucleus.  Proton and electron have +1 and -1 charge respectively.  Neutron has no charge.

Number of protons is equal to number of electrons in the case of neutral atoms.

The number of electrons present in the outermost shell of an atom that participate in forming chemical bonds with other atoms is called valence electrons.

Each group present in the periodic table has specific common valence electrons.  Therefore, the position of the atom in the periodic table should be known for drawing the Lewis dot structures.

In order to achieve complete noble gas configuration, octet rule is followed to find bonding nature of atoms.  Octet means 8 electrons in their valence shells.

To find: Boron and the following elements of boron show similar bonding nature