Formal Charge

[Martina]

Do you have to calculate formal charges for every lewis structure you draw, or only if it is specified in the question.

[RasikaObla_4I]

You would only have to calculate it if it is specified, but you should calculate the formal charge of the structure to find out if the structure is in its most stable state.

[Kaylee Clarke 1G]

You calculate formal charge to calculate the charge of the electron for resonance structures which will lead you to the most stable atom.

[Serena Siddiq 3D]

You should calculate it whether it is in the directions or not to make sure the lewis structure you made is the most stable/accurate based off of the formal charges; it is considered a step when creating the structures.