How To Draw Electron Dot Diagrams

Electron dot diagrams, sometimes called Lewis dot diagrams, were first used by Gilbert N. Lewis in 1916. These diagrams are used as a shorthand notation to show the number of valence electrons in an atom. More complicated versions can be used to show the bond between different atoms in a molecule.

1. Write Atom Symbol

Write the symbol of the atom you are drawing the electron dot diagram for in the middle of your paper. This symbol represents the nucleus of the atom and each of the four sides represents an orbital.

2. Refer to Periodic Table

Locate the element you are drawing an electron dot diagram for on the periodic table of elements. Find the number of electrons in one atom of the element. The number of electrons is the same as the element's atomic number.

3. Determine Valence Electrons

Find the number of valence electrons by subtracting the number of electrons in each level from the total number of electrons. There are two electrons in the first level and eight in the second, third and fourth levels. The diagram will represent only the outermost level of the electron field. Take the number of electrons and subtract the number of electrons in each level until you come to a level that is not entirely full. For the noble gases, the last level will be full, with no electrons left over, and this is the level you will draw.

4. Create s Orbital

Place the first two dots on the right side of the element symbol. This side is referred to as the s orbital.

5. Create px Orbital

Place the remaining dots in a counterclockwise fashion around the edges of the symbol. The top is referred to as the px orbital, the left as the py orbital and the bottom as the pz orbital. No orbital should have more than two electrons, and there should be no electrons left over.