What does a Lewis structure visually represent?

A Lewis structure visually represents the bonding between atoms and the presence of lone pairs in a molecule. This representation uses dots to indicate valence electrons and lines to signify covalent bonds between atoms. By illustrating how electrons are arranged around atoms and which atoms are bonded, the Lewis structure provides valuable information about the proposed structure of the molecule and its potential reactivity.

Unlike the other options, which focus on different aspects of molecular properties, a Lewis structure specifically highlights the connectivity of atoms and the distribution of electrons. For instance, it does not reflect the mass of a molecule, the temperature stability, or the physical size and shape of a molecule, but rather provides a clear visual representation of molecular geometry in terms of electron sharing. This visual tool is fundamental in understanding molecular interactions, predicting shapes, and ensuring proper chemical bonding theories are applied in further studies.