Lewis Structure [ENDORSED]

[Kyra Dingle 1B]

When asked to find the lewis structure, do you automatically write the structure with the lowest energy?

[Tasnia Haider 1E]

Yes, since the lowest energy structure means that the structure is the most stable for the compound or element.

[soniatripathy]

I talked to one of the LAs and she said that only when it is stated to write the lowest one then it is needed. Otherwise (at this level) a valid lewis structure is okay. Obviously it is better to get the most stable one but sometimes that takes a bunch of trial and error.

[Leah Savage 2F]

Generally you draw a lewis structure and then do some trial and error until you find a lewis structure with the lowest overall formal charge possible! That will be the most stable/lowest energy.

[Chem_Mod]

If asked to draw a structure, always draw the best/lowest energy structure.