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NEETChemistryChemical Bonding and Molecular Structure

What is the general principle for selecting the lowest energy Lewis structure?

Options

  1. AThe one with the largest formal charges on the atoms.
  2. BThe one with the smallest formal charges on the atoms.
  3. CThe one with the most atoms.
  4. DThe one with the fewest lone pairs.

Correct answer

B. The one with the smallest formal charges on the atoms.

Step-by-step solution

Generally, the lowest energy structure is the one with the smallest formal charges on the atoms.

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