Electron configuration is a representation of how electrons are distributed in an atom's orbitals, while Lewis dot structure is a simplified diagram showing the valence electrons of an atom.
Electron configuration is more accurate because it takes into account the arrangement of all electrons, including those in inner energy levels. Lewis dot structure only shows the valence electrons.
The electron configuration determines the number and location of valence electrons, which are then represented in the Lewis dot structure.
No, Lewis dot structure is mainly used for representative elements (groups 1, 2, 13-18) since they follow a specific pattern in their electron arrangement. Transition metals and inner transition metals have more complex electron configurations and may not follow the same pattern.
Both representations have their uses, but Lewis dot structure is more useful in predicting chemical properties such as reactivity and bonding tendencies since it focuses on the valence electrons, which are the ones involved in chemical reactions.