Consider the most stable, octet-compliant Lewis structure of the ozone ( O ₃ ) molecule. What is the numerical sum of the total number of bonds, bonds, and the formal charge on the central oxygen atom?

Step-by-step solution

The most stable, octet-compliant Lewis structure of ozone ( O ₃ ) is represented as O = O ⁺- O ⁻ . In this structure: - There is one double bond ( 1 and 1 bond) and one single bond ( 1 bond). - Total bonds = 2 . - Total bonds = 1 . To calculate the formal charge on the central oxygen atom: Formal Charge = (Valence electrons) - (Non-bonding electrons) - 1 2 (Bonding electrons) For the central oxygen atom: Valence electrons = 6 , Non-bonding electrons = 2 (one lone pair), Bonding electrons = 6 (three bonds). Formal C