Identifying the element

[Melody Zhang 3L]

For the sixth edition chapter 3 #37, when given a lewis structure and asked to identify the element in the center, can we just explain our answer by saying that only an element with 5 valence electrons would make the formal charge 0, and the only element in period 3 with 5 valence electrons is Phosphorous?

[Chloe Thorpe 1J]

I believe that answer would suffice, especially since you brought in formal charge to explain your reasoning.

[Grace Kim 1J]

Yes, mentioning stable structure and formal charge (how it equals to 0) would be the correct answer for the reasoning. If the formal charge doesn't equal 0, then it probably wouldn't be the correct element.

[Destiny Diaz 4D]

Yes, mentioning stable structure and formal charge (how it equals to 0) would be the correct answer for the reasoning. If the formal charge doesn't equal 0, then it probably wouldn't be the correct element.

I agree, I think as long as you support your answer scientifically with the formal charge and not just saying you can tell by looking at the periodic table then you should be good.

[Destiny Diaz 4D]

Yes, mentioning stable structure and formal charge (how it equals to 0) would be the correct answer for the reasoning. If the formal charge doesn't equal 0, then it probably wouldn't be the correct element.

I agree, I think as long as you support your answer scientifically with the formal charge and not just saying you can tell by looking at the periodic table then you should be good.

[ElliotPourdavoud 1A]

Tagging on with the other posters formal charge is the explanation for the answer.

[Katie Frei 1L]

Yes, I believe that answer would be fine. I also explained in mine how I was able to figure out that the element had 5 valence electrons by totaling the number of electrons in the lewis structure, and then subtracting the valence electrons of the other elements.

[Madison Gil 3D]

Formal charge of the unknown atom, total electron numbers and how the unknown ion would add to that would be acceptable answers to this question I believe.

[Ashita Tanwar 3H]

For questions like these, are we always supposed to assume that the formal charge of the molecule is 0? Will the formal charge be provided when it is something other than 0?