Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Resonance Structures
Resonance structures are different Lewis structures for a molecule or ion that show the same arrangement of atoms but differ in the placement of electrons. These structures help illustrate the delocalization of electrons within a molecule, which contributes to its stability. The actual structure of the molecule is a resonance hybrid, a weighted average of all valid resonance forms, where more stable forms contribute more to the hybrid.
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Major and Minor Contributors
In resonance theory, major contributors are resonance structures that are more stable and thus have a greater influence on the resonance hybrid. Factors that enhance stability include full octets, minimal formal charges, and the presence of electronegative atoms in appropriate positions. Minor contributors, on the other hand, are less stable and contribute less to the overall resonance hybrid, often due to unfavorable charge distributions or incomplete octets.
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Equal Contribution of Resonance Contributors
Some resonance contributors can contribute equally to the resonance hybrid if they possess similar stability and energy levels. This typically occurs when all structures have similar formal charges, octet fulfillment, and overall symmetry. Identifying such contributors is crucial for understanding the electronic structure of the molecule, as it indicates a more uniform distribution of electron density across the resonance hybrid.
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