Which of the following statements about formal charges is/are true? (Select all

Question

Which of the following statements about formal charges is/are true? (Select all that apply.)

A) To calculate a formal charge of an atom in a molecule it is necessary to know the number of valence electrons the atom has in its neutral state.

B) Individual atoms always have a formal charge even if the atom does not have an actual charge - and zero is one of the possible formal charges an atom might have.

C) The sum of all formal charges in a molecule or ion must equal the overall charge on the molecule or ion.

D) A formal charge separation leads to greater stability in a molecule.

E) Formal charges can help determine which resonance forms are more stable.

Explanation / Answer

Answer:

A) To calculate a formal charge of an atom in a molecule it is necessary to know the number of valence electrons the atom has in its neutral state.

B) Individual atoms always have a formal charge even if the atom does not have an actual charge - and zero is one of the possible formal charges an atom might have.

C) The sum of all formal charges in a molecule or ion must equal the overall charge on the molecule or ion.

E) Formal charges can help determine which resonance forms are more stable.

Formalcharge = V - (1/2*S + L)

V =valency of element

S = share pair electrons

L = lone pair electrons.

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