formal charge equation

[Emely Reyna 1F]

I was a bit confused on what each term of the formal charge equation meant, can someone give an explanation? When and why are we suppose to use it?

[Molly Oakes 1A]

formal charge = valence electrons - lone pair electrons - 1/2(bonding electrons)

Lone pair electrons are dots and bonding electrons are lines.

[Amanda 1A]

the formal charge equation is VE-LPE-(1/2)BE or
valence electrons - lone pair electrons - (1/2) bonded electrons

valence electrons refer to the number of electrons in the outermost shell of an electron that can participate in bonding
lone pair electrons refer to the number of valence electrons that are not being shared with another atom
bonded electrons refer to the number of electrons being shared with another atom - the whole term (including the 1/2) should be equal to the number of bonds

[Caitlyn Ponce 1L]

Formal charge can be used to double check your Lewis Structures for both neutral and charged molecules. The closer the formula charge is to 0, the more stable the molecule will be. In the case of charged molecules, some individual atoms will not have a formal charge of 0.
It is advised to always check formal charges for your Lewis Structures.