Multiple Choice
In the Lewis structure of NH3, what is the formal charge of the nitrogen atom?
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Formal Charge
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What are the formal charges on the nitrogen atoms in NO2⁻ and NO3⁻?
A
0 and +1
B
+1 and +1
C
0 and 0
D
+1 and -1
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the concept of formal charge. Formal charge is a theoretical charge assigned to atoms in a molecule, assuming that electrons in chemical bonds are shared equally between atoms, regardless of actual electronegativity differences.
Step 2: Use the formula for calculating formal charge: \( \text{Formal Charge} = \text{Valence Electrons} - \text{Non-bonding Electrons} - \frac{1}{2} \times \text{Bonding Electrons} \). This formula helps determine the charge on an atom within a molecule.
Step 3: Determine the number of valence electrons for nitrogen. Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. For each nitrogen atom in NO2⁻ and NO3⁻, count the non-bonding electrons and the electrons involved in bonds.
Step 4: Calculate the formal charge for the nitrogen atom in NO2⁻. Consider the Lewis structure of NO2⁻, where nitrogen is bonded to two oxygen atoms and has one lone pair. Apply the formal charge formula to find the charge on nitrogen.
Step 5: Calculate the formal charge for the nitrogen atom in NO3⁻. Consider the Lewis structure of NO3⁻, where nitrogen is bonded to three oxygen atoms and has no lone pairs. Apply the formal charge formula to find the charge on nitrogen.
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