Dots in Lewis Stucture

[Ryan Troutman 4L]

Hello! When placing the dots (electrons) around the element, does it matter where we place them first? For example in Carbon do we go clockwise from the left side or does it really not matter when placing the dots? Thanks!

[804991762_4A]

It generally doesn’t matter for now since we haven’t gotten into formal charge, so just put them anywhere around the element

[Anjali_Kumar1F]

Yeah it doesn't matter where you place them but it needs to be placed symmetrically.

[Sydney Stump]

In class last week Lavelle said that arrangement of the dots does not really matter but the location bond is between the two atoms is important.

[Emilee Hosking 1D]

So for problem 2B3 part d, the diagram in the back shows that there are three bonds between Fluorine and Bromine, but there are also 2 pairs of electrons. Typically aren't there only dots in four pairs or sets of bonds?

[kimberlyrose1G]

There is no order, although you should have one electron on each of the four sides before having two on the same side. You should also take a look at/aim for symmetry (having two on the right side, as well as the left side if the element has six valence electrons).

[404536963]

I would say that although the placement doesn't necessarily matter in the Lewis Structure, as a rule of thumb make sure that your placement next to the other atom is precise because that's where your bond will be and it makes it less visually confusing for grading. Fill out the other 3 sides before you do the electrons next to the bonded atom.

[Avery Zuelch 1D]

I would say that it doesn’t matter,yet. I would say place one dot on each side before you add a second dot to the side.

[Emma Randolph 1J]

In lecture on Friday Professor Lavelle said that it doesn't matter :)

[Jackie Ngo 1C]

It doesn't matter where the dots are placed as long as they're distributed as evenly as possible.

[Yixiao Hu 3C]

I think it does matter. You should put electron on each side first and then make the pairs.

[KHuang1L]

Professor Lavelle said that it does not matter what order you place the dots in class. However, you should make sure that there are at least 4 electrons before pairing them together.

[janeane Kim4G]

I don't believe it matters, as long as the amount of electrons are correct.

[Mayaal_Khan_4H]

The order doesn't matter but first put one electron on each side and then start adding more when you have filled all sides with 1 electron.

[Tony Chung 2I]

It doesn't matter as long as you put the right amount of dots and bonds.