A molecular model of NO₃^- is shown below.Based on the best Lewis electron-dot structure for NO₃^- and formal charge considerations,what is the predicted N-O bond order for each N-O bond? A)1 B)1.33 C)1.5

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Based on the Lewis electron-dot structure, there are three N-O bonds in the molecule. The formal charge on nitrogen is -1 and on oxygen is 0. According to formal charge considerations, the N atom is more electronegative than the O atom, therefore it will carry a negative charge. Thus, the predicted bond order for each N-O bond is 3 - [(number of valence electrons on nitrogen + number of valence electrons on oxygen)/2] = 3 - [(5+6)/2] = 1.5. Therefore, the best choice is B), which is the only option that includes a bond order of 1.5.

A Molecular Model of NO3- Is Shown Below

A Molecular Model of NO₃^- Is Shown Below