Write the Lewis symbols for the ions in each ionic compound. b. Li₂S

Key Concepts

Lewis Symbols

Lewis symbols, or Lewis dot structures, represent the valence electrons of an atom as dots around the element's symbol. This notation helps visualize how atoms bond and interact in chemical compounds. For ions, the Lewis symbol indicates the gain or loss of electrons, showing the resulting charge on the ion.

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed through the electrostatic attraction between positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. In the case of Li₂S, lithium (Li) donates electrons to sulfur (S), resulting in Li⁺ ions and S^2- ions. Understanding the formation of these ions is crucial for drawing their Lewis symbols.

Electron Configuration

Electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals. For lithium, the electron configuration is 1s² 2s¹, indicating it has one valence electron available for bonding. This concept is essential for determining how many electrons are lost or gained when forming ions, which directly influences the Lewis symbols.