How Do We Draw a Lewis Dot Diagram for Covalent Bonding? Write the Symbol for each element about 2 cm apart. Identify the valence number for each element. Figure out how many valence electrons each element needs to complete the Octet Rule Place that number of dots in the middle of the two symbols. Then draw in the remaining valence dots for the first atom in their appropriate location. Do the same for the joining atom Suggestion: use X to represent the other element’s valence electrons. F2 F F
Let Us Try it Again H2O H O H