One resonance structure for OCN^- ion is drawn below.What is the formal charge on each atom? A) O atom = 0,C atom = 0,and N atom = 0 B) O atom = 0,C atom = 0,and N atom = -1 C) O atom = -1,C atom = 0,and N atom = 0 D) O atom = -1,C atom = -1,and N atom = +1 E) O atom = +1,C atom = 0,and N atom = -2

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the given resonance structure, the formal charge on the O atom is -1, on the C atom is 0, and on the N atom is 0. To calculate the formal charge on each atom, we need to use the formula: Formal charge = valence electrons - (lone pair electrons + 1/2 bonding electrons). For the O atom, the formal charge is calculated as 6 - (4 + 2) = 0. For the C atom, the formal charge is calculated as 4 - (0 + 4) = 0. For the N atom, the formal charge is calculated as 5 - (4 + 1) = 0. Therefore, the best choice is C as it correctly represents the formal charge on each atom in the given resonance structure.

One Resonance Structure for OCN- Ion Is Drawn Below

One Resonance Structure for OCN^- Ion Is Drawn Below