Lewis Structures Explorer

Learn to draw Lewis dot structures with guided walkthroughs for valence electrons, bonds, lone pairs, and formal charges.

Hydrogen

H₂

Simple Bonds
HH

Concepts

What Is a Lewis Structure?

A Lewis structure (dot structure) shows how valence electrons are distributed in a molecule. It reveals bonding pairs, lone pairs, and formal charges.

Step-by-step approach:

  1. Count total valence electrons
  2. Draw the skeleton (central atom + single bonds)
  3. Place lone pairs on outer atoms first, then central
  4. Form multiple bonds if central atom lacks an octet
  5. Calculate formal charges to verify

Key rules:

Octet rule: Most atoms want 8 electrons. H wants 2 (duet rule). B can have 6 (electron-deficient).

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About This Molecule

Hydrogen (H₂)

2 valence e− · Simple Bonds

Learn more about H₂ Lewis structure →

Valence Electrons

HGroup 1A → 1 e−