Write the group number and draw the Lewis symbol for each of the following elements: e. gallium

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the element gallium on the periodic table. Gallium is located in Group 13.
2. Determine the number of valence electrons for gallium. Elements in Group 13 have 3 valence electrons.
3. Draw the Lewis symbol for gallium by writing the element symbol 'Ga'.
4. Place three dots around the 'Ga' symbol to represent the three valence electrons. Arrange the dots to reflect the electron configuration, typically starting with one dot on each of three sides.
5. Review the Lewis symbol to ensure it accurately represents the valence electrons of gallium.

Key Concepts

Lewis Symbols

Lewis symbols, also known as Lewis dot diagrams, represent the valence electrons of an atom as dots around the element's chemical symbol. This visual representation helps in understanding how atoms bond with each other, as the dots indicate the number of electrons available for bonding. For example, in gallium (Ga), the Lewis symbol would show three dots, corresponding to its three valence electrons.

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom and are crucial for determining how an element interacts and bonds with others. The number of valence electrons influences an element's chemical properties and reactivity. Gallium, with an atomic number of 31, has three valence electrons, which play a significant role in its bonding behavior.

Group Number in the Periodic Table

The group number in the periodic table indicates the column in which an element is located and reflects the number of valence electrons in its outer shell. Elements in the same group typically exhibit similar chemical properties due to their comparable electron configurations. Gallium is located in Group 13, which signifies that it has three valence electrons, aligning with its Lewis symbol representation.