Lewis Structures

[Carlos Gonzales 1H]

If we are asked to make a lewis structure of a substance, should we include the resonance structures as well? Or would that only be necessary if initially asked?

[Anna Lapuos 3C]

I was wondering the same thing but I think we only need to include it when we're instructed to do so.

[Janet Nguyen 2H]

You probably won't have to worry I think they usually will ask for it

[Jessica Jones 2B]

When asked for resonance, do you need every single possibility or just a few options?

[Adrian Franco 3H]

When asked for resonance, do you need every single possibility or just a few options?

I think that 2-3 possibilities is a good amount since the resonance examples we've done in class all had 2-3.

[Charles Ang 1E]

Depending on the wording of the question, it may be more appropriate to draw the most stable Lewis Structure rather than all of the resonance structures. However, if the question asks specifically for resonance structures the list as many as you can. Usually, there aren't too many.

[Jean Mok 3K]

If the question asks for resonance structures you should draw all of them. We only drew 3 because those molecules only had 3 resonance structures. I hope this helped!

[Mitch Mologne 1A]

I think if there are possible resonance structures, the potential question will instruct you to include how many or at least inform you there are multiple structures.

[Michael Cheng 1C]

Is the center atom when creating a lewis structure the least electronegative atom or the atom with lowest ionization energy?

[JennyCKim1J]

I think the center atom's supposed to be the one with lowest ionization E.

[Kyle Reidy 3H]

To confirm, the center atom is the one with the lowest ionization energy. Take methane for example, which is one atom of carbon bonded with four atoms of hydrogen. We know carbon is the central atom, so let's compare the ionization energies and electronegativities:
..............Ionization Energy (kJ/mol).......Electronegativity
Carbon...............1086.5..............................2.55
Hydrogen...........1312.0..............................2.20
As you can see, hydrogen has a lower value of electronegativity but a greater ionization energy. While trends in the two values are similar across the periodic table, it is important to remember the difference between the two properties.