## Showing Work

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

Jessica Chen 2C
Posts: 103
Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2019 12:17 am

### Showing Work

Do you think we have to write out the entire equation for formal charge on the midterm? Or can we just calculate it in our head, and write the formal charge by the element? I don't want to spend too much time writing out work if it's unnecessary. Thank you!

JohannaPerezH2F
Posts: 94
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:18 am

### Re: Showing Work

my ta said that if you just write the answer then thats fine but they give partial points so if you don't know something you can write random equations to get some credit

Elizabeth Johnson 1I
Posts: 53
Joined: Wed Sep 11, 2019 12:16 am

### Re: Showing Work

Not my TA, but Ben said that so long that he can follow the mental process you took to find the charge, you'll get full points. Definitely check in with your TA, though. TBH, my rec is to just do the FC equation. Better safe than sorry.

Emma Popescu 1L
Posts: 105
Joined: Wed Sep 11, 2019 12:16 am

### Re: Showing Work

You don't need to show the calculation for formal charge as most people directly use the shortcut, but showing work can give you some marks incase you make a calculation error.

PGao_1B
Posts: 50
Joined: Sat Jul 20, 2019 12:15 am

### Re: Showing Work

We should write out the entire equation for formal charge on the midterm instead of just calculating it in our head and writing the formal charge by the element because not only will writing out the entire equation for formal charge make it easier to organize both your thoughts and work, but it will also grant partial credit as well if full credit is not achievable.

Matt F
Posts: 100
Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2019 12:17 am

### Re: Showing Work

Partial points can never hurt, I would only not write it out if I'm in a crunch for time

Erik Buetow 1F
Posts: 96
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2019 12:15 am

### Re: Showing Work

Writing your work out I feel like will always help, but is not specifically necessary to get full credit when it comes to formal charge.