Question

How would you draw a Lewis structure for an atom that has an electronic configuration \[1{s^2}2{s^2}2{p^6}3{s^2}3{p^3}\]

Answer 1

Hint:In order to draw a Lewis dot structure for a given electronic configuration \[1{s^2}2{s^2}2{p^6}3{s^2}3{p^3}\], we must first find the atomic number of the atom. This can be done by counting the electrons present in the electronic configuration.

Complete answer:
Let us first understand what a Lewis dot structure is. It is the graphical representation of the electrons present around an atom. Let us move onto the problem. In order to draw a Lewis dot structure, we must first the chemical symbol of the element. This can be done only when we know the atomic number of the given element. For that we have to add the electrons from the electronic present. As we know that atomic number is the total number of electrons present in an atom. Therefore, the total electrons present is 15. The given element is Phosphorus, because 15 is the Atomic number of Phosphorus. It will be having five valence electrons in the outermost orbital.
Now let us write the Lewis dot structure for Phosphorus.
First write the chemical symbol of the given element. The number of valence electrons are written surrounding the phosphorus atom. The chemical dot structure for the Phosphorus is given below:

In this structure there are three single electrons and one pair of electrons. Therefore, Phosphorus can form three chemical bonds.

Note:
Lewis dot structure is very important because:
- It can predict geometry.
- Reactivity and polarity of inorganic and organic chemistry.