QQuestionAnatomy and Physiology
QuestionAnatomy and Physiology
Two possible Lewis structures for the molecule HCN are given. Determine the formal charge on each atom in both structures.
Which structure is the best Lewis structure for HCN?
- ☐ The structure with carbon as the central atom.
- ☐ The structure with nitrogen as the central atom.
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Answer
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Step 1: Calculate the formal charge for each atom in the first Lewis structure (carbon as the central atom).
The formal charge is calculated using the formula: For the carbon atom: Thus, the formal charge on the carbon atom is: For the hydrogen atom: Thus, the formal charge on the hydrogen atom is: For the nitrogen atom: Thus, the formal charge on the nitrogen atom is:
Step 2: Calculate the formal charge for each atom in the second Lewis structure (nitrogen as the central atom).
For the nitrogen atom: Thus, the formal charge on the nitrogen atom is: For the carbon atom: Thus, the formal charge on the carbon atom is: For the hydrogen atom: Thus, the formal charge on the hydrogen atom is:
Final Answer
The best Lewis structure for HCN is the one with carbon as the central atom.
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