Lewis Structures

Question

The formal charge on the nitrogen atom in the nitrate ion (NO₃⁻) is:

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The **Formal Charge ($FC$)** is calculated as:
$FC = [V] - [L] - \frac{1}{2}[B]$
Where $V$ = Valence electrons, $L$ = Lone pair electrons, $B$ = Bonding electrons.
For Nitrogen in $NO_3^-$:
- Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons ($V = 5$).
- It is bonded to 3 Oxygens, forming 4 bonds total ($1$ double, $2$ single) to satisfy the octet rule.
- $B = 8$ bonding electrons.
- $L = 0$ lone pair electrons.
$FC = 5 - 0 - \frac{8}{2} = 5 - 4 = +1$

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