Formal Charge
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Formal Charge
When we need to draw Lewis structures or even resonance structures, do we need to show calculations done for formal charges in order not to miss points on exams? Will that ever be an issue? The last test asked to show full work so I am wondering if this is necessary.
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Re: Formal Charge
Last test I just drew the most stable form of the lewis structure. I wrote all the calculations. If they ask for resonance then I think you should draw the resonance structures.
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Re: Formal Charge
I think you should always show your calculations for formal charge, each TA grades differently but my TA said the more work you show the greater chance you will earn more points.
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Re: Formal Charge
For Lewis structures with equivalent resonance structures, I did the calculations for one of the structures, and put the appropriate formal charges around the other resonance forms. Otherwise, yeah you should do independent calculations for each resonance form.
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Re: Formal Charge
WilliamNguyen_4D wrote:Last test I just drew the most stable form of the lewis structure. I wrote all the calculations. If they ask for resonance then I think you should draw the resonance structures.
What's the difference between the Lewis structure and the resonance structure?
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Re: Formal Charge
A resonance is a Lewis structure that have bonds in different equivalent locations.
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Re: Formal Charge
In my opinion, it is always better to show work just in case. Especially if the grader prefers to see the steps.
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Re: Formal Charge
It's obviously better if you do because of partial credit, but it's not necessary.
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Re: Formal Charge
It is always better to show work just in case, but generally for formal charge I do not think it is necessary
Re: Formal Charge
In my opinion, the answer is yes, you should draw a figure of the structure. And you also should calculate the formal charge and show the calculation steps.
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Re: Formal Charge
I wouldn't say you need to show all your work, but I definitely recommend it, in the worst case hypothetical you get the question wrong, you can, at the very least, get partial credit for showing your work.
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Re: Formal Charge
I'd say you should show your formal charge calculations, just to show that you know a certain lewis structure is correct. Could depend on the TA though.
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