How to Write Lewis Structures

Because chlorine is in group VIIA, its atoms have seven valence electrons. Two chlorine atoms can share electrons (one electron from each) to form a molecule of CI2. [Pg.9]

And a carbon atom (group IVA) with four valence electrons can share each of these electrons with four hydrogen atoms to form a molecule of methane, CH4. [Pg.9]

These formulas are often called Lewis structures in writing them we show only the electrons of the valence shell. [Pg.9]

Atoms can share two or more pairs of electrons to form multiple covalent bonds. For example, two nitrogen atoms possessing live valence electrons each (because nitrogen is in group VA) can share elechons to form a triple bond between them. [Pg.9]

themselves, may contain covalent bonds. Consider, as an example, the ammonium ion. [Pg.9]

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