Formal Charge

[Dustin Shin 2I]

When we need to draw Lewis structures or even resonance structures, do we need to show calculations done for formal charges in order not to miss points on exams? Will that ever be an issue? The last test asked to show full work so I am wondering if this is necessary.

[WilliamNguyen_4L]

Last test I just drew the most stable form of the lewis structure. I wrote all the calculations. If they ask for resonance then I think you should draw the resonance structures.

[Sheridan Slaterbeck 1J]

I think you should always show your calculations for formal charge, each TA grades differently but my TA said the more work you show the greater chance you will earn more points.

[Luc Lorain 1L]

For Lewis structures with equivalent resonance structures, I did the calculations for one of the structures, and put the appropriate formal charges around the other resonance forms. Otherwise, yeah you should do independent calculations for each resonance form.

[Diana Sandoval 1K]

Last test I just drew the most stable form of the lewis structure. I wrote all the calculations. If they ask for resonance then I think you should draw the resonance structures.

What's the difference between the Lewis structure and the resonance structure?

[AlyssaBei_1F]

A resonance is a Lewis structure that have bonds in different equivalent locations.

[Aleeque Marselian 1A]

In my opinion, it is always better to show work just in case. Especially if the grader prefers to see the steps.

[katie_sutton1B]

It's obviously better if you do because of partial credit, but it's not necessary.

[Arlene Linares 3A]

How many points was the FC worth on the midterm?

[uhedlund]

It is always better to show work just in case, but generally for formal charge I do not think it is necessary

[205458163]

In my opinion, the answer is yes, you should draw a figure of the structure. And you also should calculate the formal charge and show the calculation steps.

[simmoneokamoto3K]

I wouldn't say you need to show all your work, but I definitely recommend it, in the worst case hypothetical you get the question wrong, you can, at the very least, get partial credit for showing your work.

[Sisi Li 1F]

I'd say you should show your formal charge calculations, just to show that you know a certain lewis structure is correct. Could depend on the TA though.