Problem 5 If the net charge on a molecule ... [FREE SOLUTION]

Chapter 16: Problem 5

If the net charge on a molecule is zero, must the formal charge on every atom in the molecule equal zero? Why or why not?

Short Answer

Expert verified

No, the formal charge on every atom in a molecule does not need to be zero even if the net charge on the molecule is zero. The formal charges can be positive, negative, or zero as long as they add up to the net charge of the molecule, which in this case is zero.

Step by step solution

Understanding Formal Charge

The formal charge of an atom in a molecule is calculated by the equation: Formal Charge = Valence Electrons - (Non-bonding electrons + Bonding electrons / 2). The number of valence electrons is the number of electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. Non-bonding electrons are those electrons in an atom that do not participate in forming bonds with other atoms. Bonding electrons are shared by two atoms to form covalent bonds.

Relating Formal Charge and Net Charge

The net charge of a molecule or ion is the sum of the formal charges of all its atoms. Therefore, even if a molecule has a net charge of zero, it doesn't mean each atom within the molecule must have a zero formal charge. The formal charges of all atoms within a molecule can be positive, negative, or zero, but as long as the sum of these formal charges equals zero, the net charge of the molecule is zero.

Conclusion

Therefore, if the net charge on a molecule is zero, it doesn't imply that the formal charge on every atom in the molecule is also zero. Atoms in a molecule can have different formal charges, which can be positive, negative, or zero, but when summed up, they equal the total net charge of the molecule.

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91影视

If the net charge on a molecule is zero, must the formal charge on every atom in the molecule equal zero? Why or why not?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Formal Charge

Relating Formal Charge and Net Charge

Conclusion

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