I've some doubts regarding "Dot AND Cross"/"Dot OR Cross" diagrams.
To show sharing of electrons in covalent compounds or transfer of electrons in ionic compounds which one should be used?
1. Dot AND Cross diagrams: This shows dots for electrons of one atom/ion and crosses for electrons of the other atom/ion. This way of showing electrons makes it very clear that the electrons from one atom is being transferred to another atom resulting in the formation of ions [ionic bonding] or showing that electrons from BOTH the atoms are being shared [covalent bonding.] The problem with this display method is written below.
2. Dot OR Cross diagrams: This shows ONLY either dots [dots for all electrons] or crosses [crosses for all electrons. This way is more scientifically accurate, because using two different types of symbols for electrons may imply that the electrons of different atoms are not the same, which is not true. If only dots or only crosses are used, then it is scientifically accurate because ALL electrons are the same.
Disadvantage of this method of display over the above one, is that showing BOTH dots and crosses makes it clear that electrons from both atoms are being shared.
So, which one should be used in the Edexcel AS Levels?
Thanx in advance for helping