For resonance forms of a molecule or ion, ________.
A)one always corresponds to the observed structure
B)all the resonance structures are observed in various proportions
C)the observed structure is an average of the resonance forms
D)the same atoms need not be bonded to each other in all resonance forms
E)there cannot be more than two resonance structures for a given species

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The observed structure is an average of the resonance forms. Resonance forms represent different possible ways of distributing electrons within a molecule or ion, but they do not necessarily represent distinct structures that exist independently. Instead, the true structure is a hybrid or combination of these resonance forms that reflects the overall distribution of electron density. Therefore, option A and B are incorrect. Option D is true because the positions of atoms can change in different resonance forms. Option E is incorrect because there may be more than two resonance structures for a given species.

For Resonance Forms of a Molecule or Ion, ________