## Formal Charge terms

$FC=V-(L+\frac{S}{2})$

Maria Roman 1A
Posts: 30
Joined: Fri Apr 06, 2018 11:04 am

### Formal Charge terms

What equation should we use to calculate formal charge and what do the terms mean?

Luis Avalos 1D
Posts: 30
Joined: Wed Nov 22, 2017 3:00 am

### Re: Formal Charge terms

I like to do the following formula to calculate it:

formal charge = valence electrons of the atom - (lone pairs + .5* bonded electrons).

Gianna Graziano 1A
Posts: 36
Joined: Wed Apr 04, 2018 3:00 am

### Re: Formal Charge terms

Hi Maria,
This is what each of the terms mean:
FC (Formal Charge)- the charge that is given to a molecule, assuming equal sharing of electrons in chemical bonds.
VE (Valance Electrons)- outer shell electrons that participate in bonding.
In order to find the VE, in the first and second period, the number of valance electrons is the period number. For periods 13-18, the number of valance electrons is that number minus 10.
LP (Lone Pairs)- a set of valance electrons that are not shared with another atom.
BE (Bonded Electrons)- the electrons, in the outer shell, which can participate in bonding.