Formal Charge & Lewis Structures

[Sofia Lombardo 2C]

We use formal charge to find the most stable lewis structure, but do we have to include all possible variations of the lewis structure (like we would with resonance)? Or can we just use the most stable structure?

[Mia Meza]

I am also unsure about this myself ^

[AdilaAhmed3I]

We use formal charge to find the most stable lewis structure, but do we have to include all possible variations of the lewis structure (like we would with resonance)? Or can we just use the most stable structure?

I think it depends on the question that is asked. Usually for formal charge questions, they ask for all the variations and then using formal charge, choose the correct one(the most stable one). But if it just asks for a lewis structure, then it is going to be the most stable one.

[Sarah_Hoffman_2H]

I think its the most stable structure, unless the question specifically asks to include other possible structures.

[Juliet Cushing_2H]

On Sapling they ask us to report the most stable structure via formal charge. Because of that I think we should plan to aim for drawing the most stable.

[Pranav Daggubati 3C]

Usually, the one with the correct formal charge allocation is the right answer, but some question may ask for an answer where you list all the allocations and then choose the most likely by basic rules.