Formal charge

[sarahtang4B]

When we form double bonds, do we always need to check the formal charge of all the elements?

[Daniel Lai]

Yes, if you want to find the most stable form.

[Lisa Werner 2F]

Yes because it will determine where the double bond should go

[almaochoa2D]

You should always check the formula charge when you're drawing a lewis structure no matter way. This way you can make sure that the lewis structure you drew is the best one.

[Soyoung Park 1H]

Do you always check for formal charges even for single bonds?

[404905747]

yes, you always check formal charge no matter how many bonds.

[kimberlyrose1G]

Do you always check for formal charges even for single bonds?

Yes to make sure that your Lewis structure is the most stable form or if additional bonds need to be made (with respect to the octet rule) in order to increase stability

[Veronica Soliman 4H]

YES!
1. Count valence electrons (left to right on periodic table using s and p only - I think)
2. Create molecule's lewis structure
3. Find the FC of each molecule, Subtract the valence # of each molecule by the amount of dots and lines for each.
4. Try to rearrange to get it to be the most stable it can be when FC=0 on all, but if not possible, then bracket your lewis structure and add a + or - (+1,+2,+3, etc.. or -1,-2,-3, etc... is based on the summation of total formal charges...)