Use Lewis symbols to determine the formula for the compound that forms between each pair of elements. a. Ca and N b. Mg and I c. Ca and S d. Cs and F

Key Concepts

Lewis Symbols

Lewis symbols represent the valence electrons of an atom as dots around the element's symbol. This visual representation helps in understanding how atoms bond with each other by either sharing or transferring electrons. For example, the Lewis symbol for calcium (Ca) shows two dots, indicating its two valence electrons, which are crucial for forming ionic or covalent bonds.

Ionic Bonding

Ionic bonding occurs when one atom donates electrons to another, resulting in the formation of charged ions. This typically happens between metals, which lose electrons, and nonmetals, which gain electrons. For instance, in the case of calcium (Ca) and nitrogen (N), calcium loses two electrons to form Ca²⁺, while nitrogen gains three electrons to form N³⁻, leading to the compound Ca₃N₂.

Covalent Bonding

Covalent bonding involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, usually between nonmetals. This type of bond is characterized by the formation of molecules where the shared electrons allow each atom to achieve a stable electron configuration. For example, when magnesium (Mg) bonds with iodine (I), they share electrons to form MgI₂, illustrating the concept of covalent bonding in molecular compounds.