QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Two possible Lewis structures for the molecule HCN are given. Determine the formal charge on each atom in both structures.
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Answer
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Step 1: Determine the formal charge for each atom in Lewis structure 1.
In Lewis structure 1, the atoms are arranged as follows: H : C ::: N: To calculate the formal charge on each atom, we use the formula: For hydrogen (H), the valence electron is 1, and it does not have any non-bonding electrons. It shares 1 electron in the bond with carbon. For carbon (C), the valence electrons are 4, and it shares 3 electrons in bonds with hydrogen and nitrogen, and has 1 non-bonding electron. For nitrogen (N), the valence electrons are 5, and it shares 3 electrons in bonds with carbon and hydrogen, and has 2 non-bonding electrons.
Step 2: Determine the formal charge for each atom in Lewis structure 2.
In Lewis structure 2, the atoms are arranged as follows: H - C ::: N: Using the same formula as in Step 1, we calculate the formal charges for each atom. For hydrogen (H), the valence electron is 1, and it shares 1 electron in the bond with carbon. For carbon (C), the valence electrons are 4, and it shares 3 electrons in bonds with hydrogen and nitrogen, and has 1 non-bonding electron. For nitrogen (N), the valence electrons are 5, and it shares 3 electrons in bonds with carbon and hydrogen, and has 2 non-bonding electrons.
Final Answer
The formal charges for each atom in Lewis structure 1 are: - Hydrogen (H): 0 - Carbon (C): 2 - Nitrogen (N): 1 The formal charges for each atom in Lewis structure 2 are: - Hydrogen (H): 0 - Carbon (C): 2 - Nitrogen (N): 1 Both Lewis structures have the same formal charges on each atom.
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