The formal charge is the "charge" an element would have in a molecule or ion if all of the bonding electrons were shared equally between atoms. We can draw three inequivalent Lewis structures for the sulfite ion, SO32. The concepts of formal charge and electronegativity can help us choose the structure that is the best representation. 1. Assign formal charges to the elements in each of the structures below. Note: Count oxygen atoms starting from the left for each structure. Formal Charge S 0₁ 0₂ 03 A :0: 2. The best Lewis structure for SO3²- is A . B –8: • Previous Next

Chemistry
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Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
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The content discusses the concept of formal charge in chemistry, emphasizing its role in understanding bonding in molecules or ions. Specifically, it addresses the formal charge as the hypothetical charge an element would have if bonding electrons were shared equally.

### Explanation:

We are considering the sulfite ion, \( \text{SO}_3^{2-} \). The discussion focuses on using formal charge and electronegativity to determine the most accurate Lewis structure representation.

**Task: Assign Formal Charges**

1. **Objective:** Assign formal charges to the elements in the given Lewis structures.
2. **Instructions:** Count oxygen atoms starting from the left for each structure.

### Diagram Description:

There are three structures labeled A, B, and C.

- **Structure A:** 
  - Central sulfur (S) atom is bonded to three oxygen (O) atoms. Double bonds and lone pairs are depicted.
- **Structure B and C:** 
  - Similar layout with variation in double bonds and lone pairs, affecting formal charge distribution.

**Table for Formal Charges:**

This section provides a systematic way to specify formal charges for sulfur (S) and each oxygen atom (\( O_1, O_2, O_3 \)) in structures A, B, and C.

### Selection:

2. **Result:** Determination of the best Lewis structure for \( \text{SO}_3^{2-} \) which is indicated by selecting one of the options (A, B, or C).

This educational content helps students practice calculating formal charges and applying theoretical principles to practical scenarios in molecular chemistry.
Transcribed Image Text:The content discusses the concept of formal charge in chemistry, emphasizing its role in understanding bonding in molecules or ions. Specifically, it addresses the formal charge as the hypothetical charge an element would have if bonding electrons were shared equally. ### Explanation: We are considering the sulfite ion, \( \text{SO}_3^{2-} \). The discussion focuses on using formal charge and electronegativity to determine the most accurate Lewis structure representation. **Task: Assign Formal Charges** 1. **Objective:** Assign formal charges to the elements in the given Lewis structures. 2. **Instructions:** Count oxygen atoms starting from the left for each structure. ### Diagram Description: There are three structures labeled A, B, and C. - **Structure A:** - Central sulfur (S) atom is bonded to three oxygen (O) atoms. Double bonds and lone pairs are depicted. - **Structure B and C:** - Similar layout with variation in double bonds and lone pairs, affecting formal charge distribution. **Table for Formal Charges:** This section provides a systematic way to specify formal charges for sulfur (S) and each oxygen atom (\( O_1, O_2, O_3 \)) in structures A, B, and C. ### Selection: 2. **Result:** Determination of the best Lewis structure for \( \text{SO}_3^{2-} \) which is indicated by selecting one of the options (A, B, or C). This educational content helps students practice calculating formal charges and applying theoretical principles to practical scenarios in molecular chemistry.
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