QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
What is the proper Lewis structure (dot structure) for lithium?
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Answer
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Step 1:
Lithium, with atomic number 3, has three electrons in its neutral state. Its electron configuration is 1s²2s¹, meaning the 1s orbital is full and there is one electron in the 2s orbital.
Step 2:
To draw the Lewis structure for lithium, we need to represent these electrons. Begin by drawing a small lithium atom symbol: Li Then, add three dots around the atom to represent the three electrons. Place two dots on one side of the Li atom and one dot on the other side. **Li · ·**
Step 3:
However, lithium is most stable in its neutral state with a full outer shell, which in this case is the 1s orbital. Therefore, the Lewis structure for lithium can be simplified as follows: **Li**
Final Answer
The proper Lewis structure for lithium is simply the lithium atom symbol, Li, representing the neutral state with a full 1s orbital.
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