Chapter 1.13, Problem 35P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The average formal charge on each oxygen atom in the nitrate ion is to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Delocalization of electrons stabilizes the ions and gives rise to one or more resonance structures.

These resonance structures differ only in the position of the electrons on the atoms.

The formal charge on an atom is determined from the valence electrons of the atom and its electron count.

In equivalent resonance structures, the formal charge is equally shared by the corresponding atoms.