Question

Given your completed structures from part a, what are the formal charges on N in the two species?

a) +1, 0
b) -1, +1
c) 0, +1
d) -1, 0

Answer 1

After calculating the formal charges on nitrogen using the formal charge formula, the correct answer to the student's question about the formal charges on nitrogen in the given structures is option c) 0, +1.

Step-by-step explanation:

When determining the formal charges on nitrogen in the two species, we use the formal charge formula: Formal charge = Valence electrons - (Non-bonding electrons + 1/2 bonding electrons). After analyzing the given structures:

For the :N=N= species, both nitrogens have a formal charge of 0.

For the :N=O=N: species, the nitrogen bound to oxygen has a formal charge of +1 while the other nitrogen has a formal charge of -1.

The correct answer to the question, 'Given your completed structures from part a, what are the formal charges on N in the two species?', is thus option c) 0, +1.