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

15832 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why is a diamond harder than graphite if they're made of the same substance?


Why does iodine have a higher boiling point than chlorine?


Why is cyclohexa-1,3,5-triene no longer accepted for the structure of benzene where the molecular formula is C6H6? Which is more stable and why?


Explain why graphite conducts electricity. The answer should include structure and bonding of graphite.


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