Final answer:
The structural formulas in benzene represent the extremes in electron sharing between adjacent carbons, with one extreme being a normal single bond and the other extreme being a normal double bond. However, in benzene, the actual electronic structure is an average of the two resonance structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The structural formulas shown in benzene represent the extremes in electron sharing between any two adjacent carbons. One extreme is a normal single bond, and the other extreme is a normal double bond. However, in benzene, the actual electronic structure is an average of the two resonance structures. Each carbon-carbon bond in benzene is identical and has a bond length that is intermediate between a C-C single bond and a C=C double bond.