How to Draw the Lewis Symbol for the Neutral Atom Potassium?

The Lewis symbol for a neutral atom represents its valence electrons. Potassium (K) is in Group 1 of the periodic table, meaning it has one valence electron. To draw the Lewis symbol for potassium, follow these steps:

1. Start with the chemical symbol for potassium, which is K.
2. Next, indicate the valence electron by placing a single dot next to the symbol. Since potassium has only one valence electron, you will add one electron dot.

Here’s how it looks:

K •

In summary, the Lewis symbol for neutral potassium is simply the letter K with one dot next to it, representing its single valence electron. This visual helps in understanding how potassium will interact with other elements, particularly in forming ionic bonds by losing that one electron.