Formal Charge and Lewis Structures

[sallina_yehdego 2E]

When drawing out the Lewis Structures, are we supposed to add the charges on the atoms even when it's not asked in the problem?

[405112316]

I don't think so. I'm guessing the question will explicitly ask for the formal charge if needed.

[SophiaKohlhoff4B]

The formal charges could be useful in determining the most favorable arrangement of atoms in a molecule, and therefore the most likely Lewis structure. The Lewis structure with formal charges closest to zero is, typically, most likely because it usually represents the lowest-energy arrangement of atoms and electrons.

[Andrew Lam 3B]

Generally the most stable configuration is one where the formal charge is minimized on all the atoms involved. Usually you don't have to draw them but it can be helpful if a test question were to ask of the two lewis structures which one is favored.

[taryn_baldus2E]

No, but it is recommended that you still identify the formal charge of each atom to ensure that you have drawn the best possible structure.

[Andrew Bennecke]

We only need to add the charges if it is asking for the most likely resonance structure or strongest contributor to the resonance hybrid.