Identify the correct equation to calculate the formal charge on an atom.
A) formal charge = valence electrons - lone pair electrons
B) formal charge = valence electrons - associated electrons
C) formal charge = valence electrons - bonding electrons
D) formal charge = bonding electrons + lone pair electrons
E) formal charge = valence electrons - bonding electrons + lone pair electrons

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Formal charge is calculated as the number of valence electrons of an atom minus the number of electrons associated with the atom, where associated electrons include both the electrons in lone pairs and half the electrons in bonding pairs.

Identify the Correct Equation to Calculate the Formal Charge on an Atom