The formal charge on sulfur in SO₄^2- is __________, where the Lewis structure of the ion is: A)-2 B)0 C)+2 D)+4 E)-4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The formal charge of an atom is calculated by subtracting half of the electrons in the bonds it has formed from the valence electrons of the atom. In this case, sulfur has six valence electrons, and it has formed one single bond with oxygen (one electron pair) and two double bonds (four electron pairs) with the other oxygen atoms. Therefore, the formal charge on sulfur is 6 - (1 + 4) = 1. However, the ion also has a negative charge, which means it has gained one extra electron. So the formal charge on sulfur is 1 - 1 = 0. Option B is the correct answer.

The Formal Charge on Sulfur in SO42- Is __________, Where

The Formal Charge on Sulfur in SO₄^2- Is __________, Where