The number of dots in a Lewis symbol signifies the number of ......... in the ......... shell of the atom.

Explanation

To answer the question, "The number of dots in a Lewis symbol signifies the number of ......... in the ......... shell of the atom," we can break it down into clear steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Lewis Symbols**: Lewis symbols, also known as Lewis dot structures, represent the valence electrons of an atom. The dots around the chemical symbol indicate the number of valence electrons.

2. **Identifying Valence Electrons**: The number of dots in the Lewis symbol corresponds directly to the number of valence electrons in the atom. Valence electrons are the electrons located in the outermost shell of an atom.

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