Multiple Choice
Determine the average charge of the oxygen atoms within the chlorite ion, ClO2–.
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Resonance Structures
Multiple Choice
Which of the following substances exhibits resonance?
A
CaCl2
B
NH4+
C
CS2
D
NO2−
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of resonance: Resonance occurs when a molecule can be represented by two or more valid Lewis structures. These structures are called resonance structures and they differ only in the placement of electrons, not atoms.
Identify the molecular structure of NO2−: The nitrite ion (NO2−) consists of one nitrogen atom bonded to two oxygen atoms, with an overall negative charge.
Draw the Lewis structure for NO2−: Start by counting the total number of valence electrons. Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, each oxygen has 6, and the negative charge adds one more electron, totaling 18 valence electrons.
Distribute the electrons to form bonds and satisfy the octet rule: Place a single bond between nitrogen and each oxygen, then distribute the remaining electrons to complete the octets of the oxygen atoms. You may need to form double bonds to satisfy the octet rule.
Identify resonance structures: Check if the electrons can be rearranged to form different valid Lewis structures. For NO2−, you can move the double bond between nitrogen and one oxygen to the other oxygen, creating two resonance structures.
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