Final answer:
The correct structure for nitrous acid is HNO₂ (option c), where the nitrogen atom has a formal charge of +1 and each oxygen atom has a formal charge of -1.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nitrous acid, HNO₂, can exist in two different structures, depending on the arrangement of the atoms and formal charges. The correct structure for nitrous acid is HNO₂ (option c).
In this structure, the nitrogen atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms, and there is no oxygen-oxygen bond. The nitrogen atom has a formal charge of +1, and each oxygen atom has a formal charge of -1.
The Lewis structure of nitrous acid is:
H
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H - N = O
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O