Resonance Structures in relation to Formal Charge

[805291863]

I'm a bit confused on the relationship between resonance structures and formal charge. Will the formal charges of different resonance structures always be the same?

[charleejohnson1L]

No :) The formal charge on each element helps determine which lewis structure is "more accurate", as when the formal charge on each element is zero, the structure is more stable. So the formal charges will always be different depending on how many lone pairs, bonding electrons, and valence electrons that an element may have. I hope this helps! I can always try to explain further if needed. :)

[Ethan Lam 4A]

Individual atoms within resonance structures will have different formal charges than other versions. This is because it can have a double bond in one structure and a single bond in another structure which would change the formal charge value of each.

[805291863]

Individual atoms within resonance structures will have different formal charges than other versions. This is because it can have a double bond in one structure and a single bond in another structure which would change the formal charge value of each.

Does this mean that all resonance structures are still equally stable because distribution of formal charges are the same in each structure?