What is the formal charge on each atom in CN−?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The formal charge on an atom can be calculated using the formula: Formal charge = (Valence electrons) - (Non-bonding electrons) - 1/2(Bonding electrons). For CN−, carbon (C) has 4 valence electrons and forms 3 bonds with nitrogen (N) and has no lone pairs, giving it a formal charge of −1. Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, forms 3 bonds with carbon, and has 1 lone pair (2 electrons), resulting in a formal charge of 0.

What Is the Formal Charge on Each Atom in CN−