Explain how you determine the number of valence electrons that should be used in the dot structure for silicon dioxide and state the shape of the molecule.

The electrons in the outermost shell are used to determine the dot structure.

Explanation:

According to Lewis, the structure of a molecule could be determined by accurately determining the number of electrons on the outermost shell of the Central atom. Silicon has four valence electrons on its outermost shell and it is the central atom in silicon dioxide. Silicon dioxide is a linear molecule as it forms two double bonds with oxygen.