Write the Lewis structure for each molecule or ion. c. BrO^-

Key Concepts

Lewis Structures

Lewis structures are diagrams that represent the bonding between atoms in a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist. They use dots to represent valence electrons and lines to represent bonds between atoms. Understanding how to draw Lewis structures is essential for visualizing molecular geometry and predicting reactivity.

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom and are crucial in determining how atoms bond with each other. The number of valence electrons influences the molecule's structure and stability. For example, in the bromate ion (BrO^-), the total count of valence electrons must be calculated to accurately depict its Lewis structure.

Formal Charge

Formal charge is a concept used to determine the charge distribution within a molecule or ion. It is calculated based on the number of valence electrons an atom has, the number of electrons it owns in the structure, and the number of bonds it forms. Minimizing formal charges in a Lewis structure often leads to a more stable representation of the molecule.