The number of bonds an atom can form is represented by

A pair of dots***
Unpaired dots
Total number of dots
One dot

unpaired

covalent bonds are shown as a pair of dots, one from each atom, so the number of bonds a given atom can form is determined by the number of unpaired dots around it.

https://opentextbc.ca/introductorychemistry/chapter/covalent-bonds-2/

The number of bonds an atom can form is represented by the total number of dots. To understand this concept, we need to know a little bit about Lewis dot structures.

Lewis dot structures are diagrams that represent the valence electrons (outermost electrons) of an atom. Each valence electron is typically represented by a dot. By looking at the Lewis dot structure of an atom, we can determine its valence electron configuration and, consequently, the number of bonds it can form.

In a Lewis dot structure, the total number of dots around an atom represents the total number of valence electrons it possesses. Valence electrons are the electrons involved in chemical bonding. The outermost shell of an atom is known as the valence shell, and the number of electrons in this shell determines an atom's chemical properties.

For example, let's consider carbon (C), which has a valence electron configuration of 2-4. Carbon has four valence electrons, which are typically represented as four dots in its Lewis dot structure. Each dot can be considered as a potential bonding site. Since carbon has four valence electrons, it can form up to four bonds by sharing these electrons with other atoms.

So, to determine the number of bonds an atom can form, you need to count the total number of dots in its Lewis dot structure, which represents its valence electrons.

Can you explain?