Bohr-Rutherford diagram

As shown in Figure 2.9A, a common way to show the arrangement of electrons in an atom is to draw circles around the atomic symbol. Each circle represents an energy level. Dots represent electrons that occupy each energy level. This kind of diagram is called a Bohr-Rutherford diagram. It is named after two scientists who contributed their insights to the atomic theory. 

A) A Bohr-Rutherford diagram (B) Hydrogen and helium have a single energy level. (C) The eight Period 2 elements have two energy levels. 

It is time-consuming to draw electron arrangements using Bohr-Rutherford diagrams. It is much simpler to use Lewis structures to represent elements and the valence electrons of their atoms. To draw a Lewis structure, you replace the nucleus and inner energy levels of an atom with its atomic symbol. Then you place dots around the atomic symbol to represent the valence electrons. The order in which you place the first four dots is up to you. You may find it simplest to start at the top and proceed clockwise right, then bottom, then left. 

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