Lewis Structures
- Select the best Lewis structure from multiple possibilities based on formal charges.
- Draw resonance structures and calculate fractional bond order.
- Define the following terms: Formal charge, Lewis structure, resonance, bond order.
When atoms combine to form compounds, they follow the rules of valence. The valence of an atom is the number of covalent bonds that it prefers to form with other atoms. There are many exceptions, but this can be a useful place to start.
When representing molecules, we will use the Lewis model for drawing structures. Lewis structures allow us to see the connectivity and placement of electrons in a molecule.
As you become familiar with drawing Lewis structures, you may find the following steps useful to have on hand.
[ciscode|rev=1|tool=elmsmedia|item=3391|entity_type=node|render=display_mode|display_mode=h5p]
Download a printable file here: Steps to Drawing Lewis Structures
[ciscode|rev=1|tool=elmsmedia|item=3386|entity_type=node|render=display_mode|display_mode=mediavideo]