Editing Structural formula (section)

== Lewis structures ==
[[Image:Structuresandmolecules.svg|thumb|right|upright=2|Representation of molecules by the [[Lewis structure]]]]
{{Main article|Lewis structure}}
[[Lewis structure]]s (or "Lewis dot structures") are flat graphical formulas that show atom connectivity and [[lone pair]] or [[radical (chemistry)|unpaired]] electrons, but not three-dimensional structure. This notation is mostly used for small molecules.  Each line represents the two electrons of a [[single bond]].  Two or three parallel lines between pairs of atoms represent double or triple bonds, respectively. Alternatively, pairs of dots may be used to represent bonding pairs. In addition, all non-bonded electrons (paired or unpaired) and any [[formal charges]] on atoms are indicated. Through the use of [[Lewis structure]]s, the placement of electrons, whether it is in a bond or in [[lone pair]]s, will allow for the identification of the [[formal charge]]s of the atoms in the molecule to understand the stability and determine the most likely molecule (based on [[molecular geometry]] difference) that would be formed in a reaction. [[Lewis structure]]s do give some thought to the geometry of the molecule as oftentimes, the bonds are drawn at certain angles to represent the molecule in real life. [[Lewis structure]] is best used to calculate formal charges or how atoms bond to each other as both electrons and bonds are shown. [[Lewis structure]]s give an idea of the [[Molecular geometry|molecular]] and electronic geometry which varies based on the presence of bonds and lone pairs and through this one could determine the [[bond angles]] and [[Hybridization (chemistry)|hybridization]] as well.

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File:Water with 4 single electrons.svg|The [[Lewis structure]] of [[water]]
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