How do you write a Lewis symbol for each of the following atoms or ions? a. S2– b. Mg c. Mg2+ d. P

Verified step by step guidance

1. <b>Step 1:</b> Understand the concept of Lewis symbols. Lewis symbols represent the valence electrons of an atom or ion. Each dot around the symbol of the element represents one valence electron.
2. <b>Step 2:</b> Determine the number of valence electrons for each atom or ion. For neutral atoms, this is the same as the group number in the periodic table. For ions, adjust the number of electrons based on the charge.
3. <b>Step 3:</b> Write the Lewis symbol for S^2–. Sulfur (S) is in group 16, so it has 6 valence electrons. As S^2–, it gains 2 additional electrons, making a total of 8 valence electrons. Represent this with 8 dots around the symbol 'S'.
4. <b>Step 4:</b> Write the Lewis symbol for Mg. Magnesium (Mg) is in group 2, so it has 2 valence electrons. Represent this with 2 dots around the symbol 'Mg'.
5. <b>Step 5:</b> Write the Lewis symbol for Mg²⁺ and P. For Mg²⁺, it loses 2 electrons, resulting in no valence electrons, so the symbol 'Mg' has no dots. For phosphorus (P), which is in group 15, it has 5 valence electrons, represented by 5 dots around the symbol 'P'.