Draw a dot and cross diagram to show HCl structure

I would first get the student to find the elements on the Periodic Table, and work out how many valence electrons each atom had. Then I would get them to draw the structures of hydrogen and chlorine using the dot and cross diagram method (showing only the valence electrons). The student would then need to work out the type of bonding in the molecule, and we could briefly discuss ionic and covalent bonding (here it would be covalent bonding). The HCl molecule could then be drawn, using the dot and cross method. I would then ask the student how they knew if they were right, and speak about having a full valence shell after bonding.

SN
Answered by Sophie N. Chemistry tutor

15839 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How does paper chromatography work?


Lithium and potassium are both in Group 1 of the periodic table. Explain why.


How do you calculate the amount of moles of a (solid) substance from its mass?


NaOH has a high melting point and conducts electricity in solution. H2O has a low melting point and does not conduct electricity. Explain, using the structure of each, why this is the case.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning