Final answer:
The correct arrangement of atoms in sulfur dioxide based on formal charge considerations is OSO, where both sulfur and oxygen have a formal charge of zero, minimizing the overall formal charge of the molecule.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on formal charge considerations, the likely correct arrangement of atoms in sulfur dioxide is OSO. In this arrangement, sulfur has a formal charge of zero because it has the same number of electrons as its number of valence electrons from its four bonds.
Each oxygen atom also has a formal charge of zero when they form double bonds with sulfur, as they have six electrons around them. Therefore, the OSO structure minimizes the formal charges across the molecule, which is preferable.