Chapter 4.2, Problem 4QQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Identification of the number of “dots” present in the Lewis symbol for the element oxygen, a Group VIA element.

Concept Introduction:

The electrons present in the outermost shell of the atom are known as valence electrons.

Valency electrons are important because:

• The valence electrons decide the reactivity of an element.
• The valence electrons decide the way an atom forms a bond with another atom.
• The valence electron in an atom decides the combining capacity of the element.
• Except inner transition elements valence electrons are present in s or p subshells of elements.
• For inner transition elements incompletely filled d or f subshells electrons are considered as valence electrons.

Lewis Dot structure:

It is a diagram that shows the valence electrons in an element.