Commonly Tested Lewis Structures

We draw Lewis Structures to predict:

-the shape of a molecule.

-the reactivity of a molecule and how it might interact with other molecules.

-the physical properties of a molecule such as boiling point, surface tension, etc.

Drawing the Lewis Structure for HNO3

Video: Drawing the Lewis Structure for HNO3


The HNO3 Lewis structure is best thought of as the NO3 with an H attached to one of the oxygen atoms. This is a pattern seen with many acids.

For the HNO3 Lewis structure, calculate the total number of valence electrons for the HNO3 molecule. After determining how many valence electrons there are in HNO3, place them around the central atom to complete the octets. Be sure to use the number of available valence electrons you found earlier.

The HNO3 Lewis structure has 24 valence electrons.


It is helpful if you:

  • Try to draw the HNO3 Lewis structure before watching the video.
  • Watch the video and see if you missed any steps or information.
  • Try structures similar to HNO3 for more practice.

List of Lewis Structures

Acetone BF3 BH4- BrF5 BrO3- C2H2 C2H4 ClO-
CH4 ClO2- ClO2 ClO4- CO CS2 H2O H3O+
HCl HNO3 I3- ICl4- IF5 N2 N3- NH2OH
NH3 NO2- NO2 NO3- O2 OF2 PCl5 PH3
PO33- PO43- SCl2 SF4 SF6 SO3 SO42- XeF2
XeF4