Nitrous oxide, N₂O, is sometimes called "laughing gas". What is the formal charge on the central nitrogen atom in the best Lewis structure for nitrous oxide? (The atom connectivity is N-N-O.) A)-2 B)-1 C)0 D)+1 E)+2

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In the best Lewis structure for N2O, the central nitrogen atom has a formal charge of +1. This is calculated by considering the number of valence electrons in the free atom (5 for nitrogen), the number of non-bonding electrons (2), and the number of bonds (3) it forms in the structure.

Nitrous Oxide, N2O, Is Sometimes Called "Laughing Gas

Nitrous Oxide, N₂O, Is Sometimes Called "Laughing Gas