Use the following rules to write electron-dot symbols of elements:

  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 electron2 valence electrons3 valence electrons4 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 electrons6 valence electrons7 valence electrons8 valence electrons

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