Video Summary

Lewis structures, also known as Lewis dot diagrams, are diagrams that show the bonding between atoms of a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist in the molecule. They are used to represent the valence electrons of atoms within a molecule. The process begins by calculating the total number of valence electrons in the molecule. Then, a skeletal structure is drawn connecting the atoms with single bonds (2 electrons). Remaining electrons are added as lone pairs to atoms, starting with the most electronegative atoms until octets (8 electrons) are satisfied for all atoms except hydrogen (duet, 2 electrons). Double or triple bonds may be required if an atom lacks an octet after lone pairs are assigned. Formal charges may need to be calculated to determine the most stable Lewis structure. Lewis structures are essential for understanding molecular geometry, polarity, and reactivity.