Drawing lewis structures

[Giovanni Anguiano-Gutierrez 3L]

When we draw lewis structures, do we always have to draw the structure with the lowest formal charge?

[zachary_nhem_4I]

Our TA said to try to draw lewis structures with as many bond with a formal charge of 0 (especially on the central element)

[305376058]

When drawing Lewis structures, I think you should try to draw the one with the lowest formal charge possible.

[KTran 1I]

The structure that has the lowest net formal charge is the most probable structure, however, it is important to note that some individual atoms may prefer to have a +/- formal charge due to their electronegativity relative to the other atoms in the molecule. For example, an oxygen atom with a 1- charge would be more representative of how oxygen acts when forming bonds.

[Shail Avasthi 2C]

Try and minimize your formal charges whenever you draw a Lewis structure, because this means that you have likely found the most stable structure.

[005162520]

How do we determine when an atom prefers a +/- formal charge based on their electronegativity? Are we suppose to know based on the periodic table?