4.3 Write Lewis symbols for the following atoms and ions: S and S2–; Al and Al3+; H and H


(i) S and S2–
The number of valence electrons in sulphur is 6.
The Lewis dot symbol of sulphur (S) is .
The dinegative charge infers that there will be two electrons more in addition to the six
valence electrons. Hence, the Lewis dot symbol of S2– is  .
(ii) Al and Al3+
The number of valence electrons in aluminium is 3.
The Lewis dot symbol of aluminium (Al) is .
The tripositive charge on a species infers that it has donated its three electrons. Hence,
the Lewis dot symbol is .
(iii) H and H
The number of valence electrons in hydrogen is 1.
The Lewis dot symbol of hydrogen (H) is .
The uninegative charge infers that there will be one electron more in addition to the one
valence electron. Hence, the Lewis dot symbol is .