Chapter 8, Problem 14STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Whether the given statement and explanation given for the statement is correct or not needs to be identified.

Concept Introduction: Resonance structures can be defined as a number of Lewis structures possible for a molecule which explains the delocalization of electrons in the molecule.

Explanation of Solution

According to the given statement, there are three resonance structures of the nitrate ion. Whether the given statement is true or not can be explained by drawing the resonance structures of the nitrate ion.

The resonance structures are as follows:

  

From the above structures, it is clear that there are three resonance structures of the nitrate ion. Therefore, the given statement is true.

The reason or explanation for the same is given that it has three single bonds which are incorrect. The correct reason is there are two single and one double bond in nitrate ions; thus, each oxygen atom can form a double bond with a nitrogen atom, and the remaining two will have a negative charge, resulting in three resonance structures.

Therefore, the given statement is true but the explanation for the statement is incorrect.