What does a Lewis dot symbol represent?

A Lewis dot symbol specifically represents the valence electrons of an element, which are the electrons located in the outermost shell. This visualization helps in understanding how an element may bond or interact with other atoms. Each dot around the chemical symbol of an element corresponds to one valence electron, allowing for a straightforward depiction of the element's potential for forming bonds. This representation is particularly useful in predicting the behavior of atoms in chemical reactions and in the formation of molecules. Therefore, identifying the number of valence electrons is essential for grasping concepts such as bonding, reactivity, and chemical stability.