Table of contents

1. Intro to General Chemistry3h 48m
2. Atoms & Elements4h 16m
3. Chemical Reactions4h 10m
4. BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
5. BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions48m
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions3h 53m
7. Gases3h 49m
8. Thermochemistry2h 37m
9. Quantum Mechanics2h 58m
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements3h 9m
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure3h 29m
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory1h 57m
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces2h 23m
14. Solutions3h 1m
15. Chemical Kinetics2h 53m
16. Chemical Equilibrium2h 29m
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium5h 1m
18. Aqueous Equilibrium4h 47m
19. Chemical Thermodynamics1h 50m
20. Electrochemistry2h 42m
21. Nuclear Chemistry2h 36m
22. Organic Chemistry5h 7m
23. Chemistry of the Nonmetals2h 39m
24. Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds3h 16m

11. Bonding & Molecular Structure

Resonance Structures

General Chemistry

11. Bonding & Molecular Structure

Resonance Structures

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a valid resonance structure for a molecule with nitrogen triple bonded to another nitrogen and single bonded to an oxygen with a lone pair of electrons?

N≡O-N

N≡N-O⁻

N-N=O

N=N=O

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of resonance structures: Resonance structures are different ways to draw the same molecule, showing the distribution of electrons. They are used to represent molecules where the electron distribution cannot be accurately depicted by a single Lewis structure.

Identify the given molecule: The molecule in question has nitrogen triple bonded to another nitrogen and single bonded to an oxygen with a lone pair of electrons. This is represented as N≡N-O⁻.

Analyze the electron distribution: In the given molecule, the nitrogen atoms are triple bonded, which means they share three pairs of electrons. The oxygen is single bonded to one of the nitrogen atoms and has a lone pair, indicating it carries a negative charge.

Consider the resonance possibilities: Resonance structures must have the same number of electrons and atoms, but the arrangement of electrons can differ. The valid resonance structure should maintain the overall charge and connectivity of the atoms.

Evaluate the options: The correct resonance structure should reflect the possibility of electron movement while maintaining the stability of the molecule. The structure N≡N-O⁻ is valid because it maintains the triple bond between the nitrogen atoms and the single bond to the oxygen, with the negative charge on the oxygen due to its lone pair.