Formal Charges Tutorial

CH 222 - Formal Charges Tutorial

Questions regarding formal charges? Try this quick tutorial and quiz.
Your answers to these questions will not affect your grade in CH 222... relax and good luck!
Feel free to contact me if you have any comments or questions regarding this tutorial.

Review of Formal Charges

The equation for calculating a formal charge is relatively straightforward:

Formal Charge = (Group Number) - (Number of Lone Pair Electrons) - ¹/₂(Number of Bonding Electrons)

Test Yourself using Formal Charges

1. What is the formal charge on N in NH₃?

2. What is the formal charge on C in CH₄?

3. What is the formal charge on a single bonded O in NO₃^-?

4. What is the formal charge on the double bonded O in NO₃^-?

5. What is the formal charge on the N in NO₃^-?

6. What is the overall charge on nitrate ion using formal charges?

7. What is the formal charge on S in SO₂ using O=S-O?

8. What is the formal charge on S in SO₂ using O=S=O?

9. Is O=S=O or O=S-O the most likely structure for SO₂?