1. Determine the total number of valence electrons:
* Hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron.
* Chlorine (Cl) has 7 valence electrons.
* Total valence electrons: 1 + 7 = 8
2. Identify the central atom:
* Chlorine is the central atom because it is more electronegative than hydrogen.
3. Connect the atoms with a single bond:
* Draw a single line between the hydrogen and chlorine atoms, representing a shared pair of electrons.
4. Distribute the remaining electrons:
* Chlorine needs 6 more electrons to complete its octet (8 electrons). Place three lone pairs (6 electrons) around the chlorine atom.
* Hydrogen has a complete duet (2 electrons) with the single bond.
5. Final Lewis Structure:
```
H - Cl
:
:
:
```
Key Points:
* The single bond between hydrogen and chlorine represents a shared pair of electrons, one from each atom.
* Chlorine has three lone pairs of electrons surrounding it.
* The structure shows that both hydrogen and chlorine have a stable octet (or duet for hydrogen).
Let me know if you'd like to see other examples of Lewis structures!
