Formal Charge and Lewis Structures
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Formal Charge and Lewis Structures
When drawing out the Lewis Structures, are we supposed to add the charges on the atoms even when it's not asked in the problem?
Re: Formal Charge and Lewis Structures
I don't think so. I'm guessing the question will explicitly ask for the formal charge if needed.
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Re: Formal Charge and Lewis Structures
The formal charges could be useful in determining the most favorable arrangement of atoms in a molecule, and therefore the most likely Lewis structure. The Lewis structure with formal charges closest to zero is, typically, most likely because it usually represents the lowest-energy arrangement of atoms and electrons.
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Re: Formal Charge and Lewis Structures
Generally the most stable configuration is one where the formal charge is minimized on all the atoms involved. Usually you don't have to draw them but it can be helpful if a test question were to ask of the two lewis structures which one is favored.
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Re: Formal Charge and Lewis Structures
No, but it is recommended that you still identify the formal charge of each atom to ensure that you have drawn the best possible structure.
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Re: Formal Charge and Lewis Structures
We only need to add the charges if it is asking for the most likely resonance structure or strongest contributor to the resonance hybrid.
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