What is the formal charge on the oxygen atom in each of the following Lewis structures?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To calculate formal charge, we use the formula:

Formal Charge = Valence electrons - (Number of lone pair electrons + 0.5 * Number of bonding electrons)

For Lewis structure A:
Formal charge of oxygen atom: 6 - (6 + 0.5*2) = 0 
For Lewis structure B:
Formal charge of oxygen atom: 6 - (6 + 0.5*4) = -1 
For Lewis structure C:
Formal charge of oxygen atom: 6 - (4 + 0.5*6) = +1

Based on the formal charges, Lewis structure B has the most stable oxygen atom, as it has a formal charge closest to zero. Therefore, the best choice is B.

What Is the Formal Charge on the Oxygen Atom in Each