ATOMIC STRUCTURE

3.3 - Arrangement of Electrons

1. Write the symbol for the element. The symbol represents the nucleus and the inner or core electrons for the element. There are four sides surrounding the symbol.

2. Determine the number of valence electrons for the element. Use a dot to represent an electron.
3. Assign a dot to each side of the symbol up to a maximum of four valence electron.

   1 valence electron	2 valence electrons	3 valence electrons	4 valence electrons

   
   

   (Helium is an exception, with both valence electrons paired up on the same side of the symbol.)

4. For assigning more than 4 valence electrons, start pairing up electrons on the four sides to a maximum of eight electrons.

   5 valence electrons	6 valence electrons	7 valence electrons	8 valence electrons

   
   

   The number of dots you have around the symbol represents the actual number of valence electrons for the element.

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