The formal charge on the nitrogen atom in the nitrate ion (NO₃^-)is

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The formal charge on nitrogen in the nitrate ion (NO3-) is calculated by considering the valence electrons of nitrogen (5), the electrons it "owns" in the structure (1 from each of the three bonds, totaling 3), and the lone pairs (0). The formal charge is calculated as: 5 - (0 + 3) = +2. However, due to resonance and the overall charge distribution in the nitrate ion, the effective formal charge on nitrogen is +1.

The Formal Charge on the Nitrogen Atom in the Nitrate